The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·92068·Announced 1992-03-19

Gravitron Mobile Amusement Rides To Be Modified For Safety

Wisdom Manufacturing and CPSC are modifying Gravitron rides to strengthen design and improve inspections following a 1991 accident.

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 recall involves a structural vehicle defect (amusement ride) with reported injuries (11 children injured), which meets the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Wisdom Manufacturing, Inc. (WMI) are announcing a program to modify the "Gravitron" mobile amusement ride. This action follows an accident at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, MO, on August 20, 1991, where a panel on the ride separated, throwing patrons onto the midway and injuring 11 children.

The Gravitron is a whirling cylinder that uses centrifugal force to hold riders to their seats as the seats rise, creating the illusion that the floor is dropping out. The modification program is designed to strengthen the ride's design and permit easier visual inspections by ride operators and inspectors.

Ride operators and inspectors are required to install turntable safety plates, corner pin reinforcement plates, and an inside strap to the bottom frame. They must also check and replace floor pins if necessary, inspect the panel bottom hole for cracking, trim carpet for easier floor pin inspection, and note additions and changes to the operator's manual. Operators and inspectors should contact WMI or the CPSC's Office of Compliance and Enforcement for information on the program.

The recalled product

Product
Gravitron mobile amusement ride
Manufacturer
Wisdom Manufacturing
Category
Consumer Product — Amusement Rides
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · structural failure

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