CPSC Wants "Monster" Ride Inspected For Defects
Recall Details
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| December 28, 1988 | |
| Release # 88-116 | |
Washington, D.C. -- After a preliminary investigation of an amusement park accident that killed one person and injured at least six others at the Broward County, Florida Fair in November 1988, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has asked owners and operators of all "Monster" amusement rides nationwide to undertake immediate metallurgical inspections of the ride to protect the public.
According to the Commission, the Hallendale, Florida accident occurred when one of six sweeps of the ride broke, causing four cars at the end of the ride's arm to fall to the ground. The ride was operated by the James Strates Shows of Orlando, Florida and was manufactured by the Eyerly Aircraft Company of Salem, Oregon. Eyerly no lonqer makes amusement rides.
CPSC said a 1982 safety bulletin issued by Eyerly Aircraft company emphasized that the sweeps of the "Monster" need to be thoroughly examined visually and with non-destructive test methods to identify cracking of critical structural areas. Such testing methods include magnetic particle technique, ultrasonic measurements, and dye-penetrant inspection. A preliminary investigation indicates that a crack in one of the sweeps may have caused the Florida accident. There was no indication, however, that the crack had been painted over.
Although the agency has no jurisdiction over permanent amusement rides, the inspection notice will be supplied to both permanent and mobile "Monster" ride owners. The CPSC said it was sending copies of the inspection plan to all identified "Monster" ride owners in an effort to ensure total ride safety.
The Commission staff said it was also asking state amusement ride inspectors to assist in implementing the inspection program. Presently, 32 states regulate amusement rides in one form or another.
The Commission's investigation of the Florida accident is continuing. Meanwhile it will monitor inspections by the owners of the rides and take additional action as warranted. Rides similar to the Monster while not affected by this inspection program are also under review by the Commission staff.
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
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