CPSC, Estes Industries Announce Recall of Air Powered Rockets
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2002-04-18). Hazards: laceration. About 140,000 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 02142 |
| Published | 2002-04-18 |
| Last updated | 2025-09-09 |
| Product category | Rockets |
| Products | GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems |
| Firm named in the title | Estes Industries |
| Firms | Estes Industries, of Penrose, Colo. (importer) |
| Manufactured in | China |
| Units (US) | 140,000 |
| Hazard classes | laceration |
| Remedy classes | replace, stop use |
| Sold | Department stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and Zany Brainy, as well as e-businesses, catalogers and hobby shops sold these rockets, from February 2001 through February 2002, for between $20 and $40. |
Description
The blue, yellow and black GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems contain two blue rockets with yellow foam tips and are recommended for children 8 years of age and older. "ESTES AIR" is printed in black and white lettering in a 6-inch wide yellow oval on the front of the pump. Underneath the pump appear the words, "Made in China." Rocket pumps that have a label that reads, "WARNING: Stay away from rocket when pumping and launching" are not included in this recall.
Hazard
The rockets' foam tips can break off, exposing sharp edges that can cause face lacerations or eye injuries to consumers. The rocket systems also have weak pump handles that can break during use, posing a risk of hand lacerations to consumers.
Remedy
Consumers should stop using the air rockets immediately and contact Estes Industries for information on how to get a replacement rocket.
Incidents and injuries
Estes and CPSC have received 16 reports of rocket tips breaking off. Six children were struck in the face by the rockets, including two children who suffered detached retinas and four children who suffered lacerations that required stitches or sutures. There were 68 reports of broken pump handles, including six hand lacerations.
Machine access
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.