PENROSE, Colorado USA — A Colorado model rocket maker issued a voluntary recall Friday of about 80,000 of its X-15 rockets. Estes-Cox Corp. of Penrose said the rocket's side or engine retainer ring can separate, causing the rocket to fall without the parachute deploying.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Estes-Cox received seven reports of the side or engine retainer ring separating and 25 reports of the retainer ring being lost during flight. One person was struck in the arm and required surgery.

The Chinese-made model rockets were sold nationwide from June 2005 through July 2007 for $16 to $36. The rockets were sold individually and as part of a starter kit.

The X-15 rocket is a 1:44 scale version of North American Aviation's hypersonic rocket plane.

Consumers who bought the rockets should contact Estes-Cox (http://estesrockets.com/14121890qa.php) for information on getting a replacement.

Copyright © 2007, Denver Business Journal.