Click here for the Recall Press Release
Questions and Answers
Scope of the Recall
Q. Which models of X-15 Model Rockets are being recalled?
A. Model 1412 X-15 Ready-to-Fly Starter Set and Model 1890 X-15 Ready-to-Fly Model Rocket.
Q. When and where were the rockets sold?
A. Department, discount and toy stores as well as hobby shops and educational distributors throughout the United States, Canada and other countries sold the X-15 from June 2005 through August 2007.
Q. Where is the model number located?
A. It’s printed just above the bar code on the packaging. The bar code is located on both the back and bottom of the box of the X-15 Starter Set, and on the bottom of the plastic clam shell package of the X-15 Model Rocket.
Q. Are the model numbers anywhere other than on the packaging?
A. The model numbers 1412 and 1890 are located on the front page of the product instructions, at the top right.
Q. How else can consumer tell if their rocket is included in the recall?
A. The X-15 rocket in Model 1412 or 1890 is a 1.44 scale-like version of the North American Aviation hypersonic rocket plane. It is made of black molded plastic and has yellow and white markings and the number 66670 on its tail. The rocket is approximately 13.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 5 inches.
The plane is not included in the recall if
Reasons for Recall
Q. Why are the X-15 rockets being recalled?
A. The rocket’s side may split or the engine retainer ring may fall out, resulting in the rocket falling without the nose cone ejecting and the parachute deploying, posing a risk of an impact injury to nearby consumers.
Q. How did Estes learn of this issue?
A. Estes received reports of the nose and parachute failing to release in conjunction with the side splitting or engine retainer ring separating, including one report that a consumer was struck in the arm, requiring surgery.
Instructions for Participating in the Recall
Q. What should consumers do if they have one of the recalled X-15 rockets?
A. Consumers who have one of the recalled X-15 rockets should:
1. Stop using the rocket immediately, as there is a possibility of the rocket’s nose cone not ejecting, the rocket falling and striking nearby spectators.
2. Call 1 (800) 576-5811 toll-free or go to Contact Us, to send an e-mail to Estes to register for the voluntary recall. (Consumers who send an email must provide their name, address, and telephone number in the email, and type RECALL in the Subject Line. They should also include the model number of their rocket.)
Estes will send participating consumers a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope by First Class Mail. Consumers will then follow the instructions below to return only the molded plastic rocket to Estes and receive a replacement SpaceShipOne Flying Model Rocket Launch Set, free of charge.
Q. How will consumers receive a replacement rocket?
A. Consumers who register for the recall will receive from Estes a pre-addressed, postage paid envelope and the following instructions to return only the molded plastic
X-15 rocket to Estes:
Q. Can consumers return the product back to the store?
A. No, to participate in the recall, consumers must contact Estes by calling 1 (800) 576-5811 toll-free or by going to our website, www.estesrockets.com/contactus.php .
Q. Why does it take 4 weeks to receive the replacement product?
A. Estes is working to provide your replacement as quickly as possible. Most likely you will receive your replacement sooner but we may experience a heavy volume of returns or unexpected delays.
Q. Can consumers keep their rocket if it has been launched and worked properly?
A. No. For the safety of consumers, it is important that they participate in the voluntary recall.
Q. Can consumers repair the X-15 rocket themselves?
A. No. To participate in the voluntary recall, consumers must follow the instructions above and will receive a new ready-to-fly scale rocket and launch set free of charge.
Q. May consumers get a refund instead of a new rocket set?
A. No. The recall remedy is a new launch set with ready-to-fly SpaceShipOne rocket, which Estes will provide free of charge, and not a refund.
If you have other questions for which you do not find an answer, please feel free to contact us via the phone number or email information provided.