CPSC, Estes Industries Announce Recall of Air Powered Rockets

Recalled April 18, 2002 · CPSC recall 02142 · Estes

Hazard

The rockets' foam tips can break off, exposing sharp edges that can cause face lacerations or eye injuries to consumers. The rocket systems also have weak pump handles that can break during use, posing a risk of hand lacerations to consumers.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using the air rockets immediately and contact Estes Industries for information on how to get a replacement rocket.

Units

About 140,000

Incidents / injuries

Estes and CPSC have received 16 reports of rocket tips breaking off. Six children were struck in the face by the rockets, including two children who suffered detached retinas and four children who suffered lacerations that required stitches or sutures. There were 68 reports of broken pump handles, including six hand lacerations.

Description

The blue, yellow and black GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems contain two blue rockets with yellow foam tips and are recommended for children 8 years of age and older. "ESTES AIR" is printed in black and white lettering in a 6-inch wide yellow oval on the front of the pump. Underneath the pump appear the words, "Made in China." Rocket pumps that have a label that reads, "WARNING: Stay away from rocket when pumping and launching" are not included in this recall.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the air rockets immediately and contact Estes Industries for information on how to get a replacement rocket.

Contact

Consumers may call Estes Industries toll free at (800) 576-5811 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT. For more information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.estesrockets.com

Product

GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems

Imported by

Estes Industries, of Penrose, Colo.

Retailers

Department stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and Zany Brainy, as well as e-businesses, catalogers and hobby shops sold these rockets, from February 2001 through February 2002, for between $20 and $40.

Made in

China

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →