Horizon Hobby, Inc., the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Health Canada have announced the recall of about 16,600 Blade mCP X model helicopters and replacement parts in the U.S. and an additional 1,300 in Canada due to impact and laceration hazards. The main blade grips and main rotor blades can release from the main rotor head of the product, posing a hazard to users.

Horizon Hobby, based in Champaign, Ill., has received 312 reports of the main rotor blade releasing, with 34 reports of impact. Twelve reports resulted in laceration injuries.

The recall includes the following Blade mCP X model helicopters and replacement blades: (The model numbers are printed on the underside of the products’ boxes, with the bar code)

• Bind-N-Fly Helicopter, model number BLH3580


• Ready To Fly Helicopter (transmitter included), model number BLH3500


• Main Blade Grips with Bearings (replacement part), model number BLH3514

The helicopters were sold at retailers nationwide in March 2011. The helicopters cost between $180 and $220 and the replacement blades cost about $10.
Consumers should contact Horizon Hobby for free replacement rotor grips and do-it-yourself instructions. Contact Horizon Hobby Support Team at (877)-504-0233 or visit the website at www.bladehelis.com/MCPX.