The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·14091·Announced 2014-01-28

Horizon Hobby Recalls Remote Controlled Model Helicopters Due to Injury Hazard

Horizon Hobby is recalling specific Blade 500 model helicopters because the tail rotor grip can separate, posing a crash and injury risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where a crash and injury hazard is identified, but the source text explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Horizon Hobby Inc. is recalling certain Blade 500 X BNF and Blade 500 3D RTF and BNF Remote Controlled Model Helicopters. The recall involves model numbers BLH 1800, BLH 1800M1, BLH 1850, and BLH 4080. These helicopters are approximately 33.5 inches long, 11.8 inches tall, and weigh about 4 pounds. The 500 X models feature a "500 X" logo on the canopy, while the 500 3D models feature a "500 3D" logo. The affected tail rotor grips are black plastic holders approximately 1 ¼ inches tall and ½ inch wide.

The recall is being conducted because the tail rotor grip used to secure the tail rotor blade to the tail rotor hub can separate and release from the helicopter. This defect poses a risk of a crash and injury hazard. The source text states that no injuries have been reported to date.

About 1,980 units were sold in the United States and 200 in Canada. The helicopters were sold at hobby stores nationwide and online at www.horizonhobby.com from December 2012 through September 2013. Prices ranged from $600 to $900. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled helicopters and contact Horizon Hobby for a replacement tail grip and installation instructions.

The recalled product

Product
Blade 500 X BNF and Blade 500 3D RTF and BNF Remote Controlled Model Helicopters
Manufacturer
Shenzen Shen's Tongchuang Aeronautic Model Co., Ltd. of China
Category
Consumer Product — Toys / Hobbies
Hazard
Affected units
1,980

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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