Recall Issued for Remote Controlled Helicopters

Online, January 28, 2014 (Newswire.com) - The popular Blade brand remote controlled model helicopters are the subject of a recall issued by the manufacturer this week. The tail's rotor grip that secures the tail rotor blade to its rotor hub is capable of separating. When this happens, the risk of crashing the helicopter is high, as is that of injury caused by the small, flying projectile that results from the separation. Only about 2000 units sold in the United States and Canada are affected. The defective products were manufactured in China.

The following models are affected by the recall. Customers who purchased any of these are urged to cease use of the product immediately.
Blade 500 X BNF
Blade 503 3D BNF
Blade 503 3D RTF
BLH 1800
BLH 1800M1
BLH 1850
BLH 4080

The helicopter dimensions are 33.5 inches long, 11.8 inches tall and weigh approximately 4 pounds. The logo of the 500 X and 500 3D is visible on each side of the canopy on their respective models. The tail rotor grip is made of black plastic and holds the helicopter's tail rotor blades in place. The grip dimensions are about 1.25 inches tall by 0.5 inches wide.

There are currently no reports of injuries related to the use of any product under this recall. Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products should contact the manufacturer, Horizon Hobby, Inc. at 877-504-0233 to obtain a replacement part and installation instructions.

"People invest a lot of money in hobbies like this one," commented Drazen Alcocer, founder and CE of iFederated, parent company to iRecalls.com. "When even a small part breaks it can ruin the investment in the model."

Artin Afsharjavan, Chairman of iFederated added that there are even more concerns. "While the possibility is remote, there is still a risk of injury here and that is reason enough to make sure that the public is well informed when a recall like this one is issued."

"And that is why iRecalls.com exists," Alcocer said. "We want to create a place for people to get up-to-date information on product recalls of all description when they happen and we want to spread the news quickly. Social media is among the best - if not THE best - way to do that and that is why we encourage community participation on our site."

Consumers who would like to be kept informed of current product recalls are invited and encouraged to become part of the iRecalls community at http://www.irecalls.com.