The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·86043·Announced 1986-07-22

International Playthings Recalls Flying Copter Toy Helicopters Due to Injury Risk

International Playthings is recalling Flying Copter toy helicopters because improper assembly can cause rotor blades to detach, posing a risk of eye injuries and facial lacerations.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that CPSC investigated accidents resulting in 'serious eye injuries and facial lacerations,' which meets the rubric criteria for a score of 4 (Severe) due to significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

International Playthings Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 15,000 "Flying Copter" toy helicopters in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toys were distributed between March 1984 and October 1985 and retailed for $3.50. The "Flying Copter" is a 7 1/2-inch plastic flying toy helicopter that is mostly white with three red plastic rotor blades and a green launching handle.

The recall is being issued because the toy requires assembly before use, and if this assembly is done improperly, the rotor blades can come off and strike the user or bystanders. CPSC has investigated accidents involving this toy where it was responsible for serious eye injuries and facial lacerations in both children and adults. The toy has previously been recalled by other companies that marketed it, and CPSC is contacting other importers as they are identified.

Consumers are urged to discontinue use of the toy immediately. They should return the "Flying Copter" to the store where it was purchased to receive a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
Flying Copter flying helicopter toys

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.