Aircraft Taken Off The Shelves Due To Potential Injury Hazard

Horizon Hobby has issued a recall for Blade 500 X BNF and Blade 500 3D RTF and BNF Remote Controlled Model Helicopters, indicating in the recall notice that 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.

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 ¼ inches tall and ½ inch wide.

The company has reportedly sold about 1980 of the RC helos in the U.S. and 200 in Canada. No injuries have been attributed to the aircraft so far.

The aircraft are manufactured in China and imported by Horizon Hobby Inc., of Champaign, IL. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says consumers should immediately stop using the recalled radio-controlled helicopters and contact Horizon Hobby for a replacement tail grip and instructions for installation.

(Image from Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice)

FMI: www.horizonhobby.com, www.cpsc.gov