Blue Box brand Combat Copter toy helicopters

CPSC Recall #84-006 - January 25, 1984

Recall Summary

Recall Number84-006
Recall DateJanuary 25, 1984
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 50,000

Product

Blue Box brand Combat Copter toy helicopters

Description

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Blue Box Toys, U.S.A., New York, NY, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 50,000 Blue Box brand Combat Copter toy helicopters which may present a laceration hazard to the operator. The toy helicopters, which retail for approximately $11.00, were sold nationwide from January, 1982, to January, 1983, and bear model numbers 6249 and 6249A.There have been at least 30 incidents where the helicopter has flown into persons' faces, 18 of which resulted in laceration injuries to the face.The Combat Copter is a plastic toy helicopter with a plastic rotating propeller and a launching pad with a crank and a trigger release. To operate the copter, the individual connects the copter to the launching pad in a snap locking notch. When the crank is turned, the propeller on the copter begins to rotate. Once sufficient propeller speed has been obtained, the trigger release is pulled to launch the helicopter forward into the air.In some instances, instead of flying forward, the copter flew backward into the operator's face causing injury. In other instances, the helicopter released from the launching pad prior to the operator pulling the trigger release and flew into the operator's face.In February, 1983, Blue Box Toys recalled the Combat Copter from its 23 consignees, however the recall was not extended to consumers.Consumers who have purchased the Blue Box Combat Copter should discontinue using it and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Retailers who receive returns from consumers should contact Blue Box Toys, c/o Lewis Associates, Corp., 200 Fifth Ave., Room 905, New York, New York, 10010, to arrange for destruction and credit for the product.Additional information may be obtained by calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free Hotline at: 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Hazard

In some instances, instead of flying forward, the copter flew backward into the operator's face causing injury. In other instances, the helicopter released from the launching pad prior to the operator pulling the trigger release and flew into the operator's face.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been at least 30 incidents where the helicopter has flown into persons' faces, 18 of which resulted in laceration injuries to the face.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who have purchased the Blue Box Combat Copter should discontinue using it and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Retailers who receive returns from consumers should contact Blue Box Toys, c/o Lewis Associates, Corp., 200 Fifth Ave., Room 905, New York, New York, 10010, to arrange for destruction and credit for the product.

What Should You Do?

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

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 (Refund) 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.