Blade 500 X BNF and Blade 500 3D RTF and BNF Remote Controlled Model Helicopters
CPSC Recall #14-091 — January 28, 2014
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 14-091 |
| Recall Date | January 28, 2014 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 1980 in the U.S. and 200 in Canada |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Hobby stores nationwide and at www.horizonhobby.com. Models BLH 1800 |
| BLH 1800M1 and BLH 1850 were sold from December 2012 through September 2013; and Models BLH 1850 and BLH 4080 were sold from May 2013 through September 2013. Prices range from $600 to $900. |
Product
Blade 500 X BNF and Blade 500 3D RTF and BNF Remote Controlled Model Helicopters
Description
The recall involves Blade 500 X BNF and Blade 500 3D BNF and RTF Remote Controlled Model Helicopters with model numbers BLH 1800, BLH 1800M1, BLH 1850, and BLH 4080. The helicopters are about 33.5 inches long and 11.8 inches tall and weigh about 4 lbs. The canopy of the 500 X has the "500 X" logo on each side. The canopy of the 500 3D has the "500 3D" logo on each side. The tail rotor grip for each model is a black plastic holder that holds the tail rotor blades of the helicopter in place. The grips are approximately 1 ? inches tall and ? inch wide.
Hazard
The tail rotor grip used for securing the tail rotor blade to the tail rotor hub can separate and release from the helicopter, posing a risk of a crash and injury hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
None
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled radio-controlled helicopters and contact Horizon Hobby for a replacement tail grip and instructions for installation.
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.
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.