"Blue Box" Copter Toy Helicopter Being Recalled

Washington, DC--In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Blue Box Toys, U.S.A., New York, N.Y., announced a voluntary recall of approximately 50,000 Blue Box brand Combat Copter toy helicopters which may present a laceration hazard to the operator. The toy helicopters, which retail for approximately $11.00, were sold nationwide from January, 1982, to January, 1983, and bear model numbers 6249 and 6249A.

There have been at least 30 incidents where the helicopter has flown into persons' faces, 18 of which resulted in laceration injuries to the face.

The Combat Copter is a plastic toy helicopter with a plastic rotating propeller and a launching pad with a crank and a trigger release. To operate the copter, the individual connects the copter to the launching pad in a snap locking notch. When the crank is turned, the propeller on the copter begins to rotate. Once sufficient propeller speed has been obtained, the trigger release is pulled to launch the helicopter forward into the air.

In some instances, instead of flying forward, the copter flew backward into the operator's face causing injury. In other instances, the helicopter released from the launching pad prior to the operator pulling the trigger release and flew into the operator's face.

In February, 1983, Blue Box Toys recalled the Combat Copter from its 23 consignees, however the recall was not extended to consumers.

Consumers who have purchased the Blue Box Combat Copter should discontinue using it and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Retailers who receive returns from consumers should contact Blue Box Toys, c/o Lewis Associates, Corp., 200 Fifth Ave., Room 905, New York, New York, 10010, to arrange for destruction and credit for the product.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free Hotline at: 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.