Westminster Inc. Recalls Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys Due to Risk of Fire

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2008
Release #08-315

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 618-0023
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Westminster Inc. Recalls Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys Due to Risk of Fire

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: “Thunder Wolf” Remote Controlled Indoor Helicopters

Units: About 102,000

Importer/Distributor: Westminster Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.

Hazard: The rechargeable battery inside the helicopter can overheat. This can result in the helicopter’s body melting, as well as a risk of fire or burns to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Westminster Inc. has received seven reports of overheating and/or melting of the helicopter, including one report of flames and two reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The “Thunder Wolf” remote-controlled indoor helicopter is made of foam and plastic, and measures about 7 inches by 3 inches. “TW0996” is printed on the tail of the helicopter and was sold in multiple accent colors. The helicopter comes with a controller and a separate charger. Only helicopters that do not have “Made in China” stamped on the underside of the helicopter are subject to the recall.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from June 2007 through December 2007 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop playing with the recalled helicopters and contact Westminster Inc. for a refund. Retailers will not accept returns or provide a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Westminster Inc. at (800) 618-0023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET Friday; visit the company’s Web site at www.thunderwolfhelicopter.com; or send an e-mail to info@thunderwolfhelicopter.com



Picture of Recalled Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toy

Picture of underside of Recalled Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toy