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Fusion 35 speed controllers (shipped with Corona electric helicopter kits)

CPSC Recall #02-514 - December 30, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-514
Recall DateDecember 30, 2001
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected375
ManufacturerLite Machines Corporation of West Lafayette, Ind.

Where It Was Sold

These components were sold with the electric helicopter kits at hobby shops from November 2001 through December 2001 for about $60.

Product

Fusion 35 speed controllers (shipped with Corona electric helicopter kits)

Description

PRODUCT: Motor Speed Controllers - Lite Machines Corporation of West Lafayette, Ind., is voluntarily recalling 375 Fusion 35 electric-motor speed controllers that it shipped with its Corona electric helicopter kits before December 2001. The Fusion 35 speed controller, a small printed circuit board with wires extending from either side, is packed in a clear plastic bag separate from other radio system components, and carries the identification "Fusion 35 #30499" on its front plate. These components were sold with the electric helicopter kits at hobby shops from November 2001 through December 2001 for about $60. PROBLEM: The Fusion 35 motor speed controller may not operate properly due to a weakness in a batch of integrated circuit (IC) chips. The (IC) chip can become hot and damage the controller. In certain instances, a malfunctioning IC chip can cause the helicopter motor to turn on for several seconds before the power is disconnected, which can damage the helicopter or cause injury to the operator or bystanders. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: There were three incidents where the motor came on for several seconds and damaged the helicopter. There have been no injuries. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should send the Fusion 35 speed controller to Lite Machines for a diagnostic test by the manufacturer. If the unit is defective it will be replaced free of charge. For more information, contact Lite Machines at (765) 463-0959 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

In certain instances, a malfunctioning IC chip can cause the helicopter motor to turn on for several seconds before the power is disconnected, which can damage the helicopter or cause injury to the operator or bystanders.

Incidents & Injuries

There were three incidents where the motor came on for several seconds and damaged the helicopter. There have been no injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should send the Fusion 35 speed controller to Lite Machines for a diagnostic test by the manufacturer. If the unit is defective it will be replaced free of charge.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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