Black Diamond recalled nearly 100,000 Avalanche Transceivers that can fail to activate in an emergency. There were reports of skiers who died or were injured when it switched off and failed to signal in an avalanche.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Black Diamond / PIEPS Avalanche Transceiver induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or died when an avalanche transceiver failed to transmit a signal, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Black Diamond Recalls Nearly 100,000 Avalanche Transceivers
In July 2022, Black Diamond recalled nearly 100,000 avalanche transceivers in the U.S. and Canada after 26 reports of the “SEARCH” mode on the transceiver not working properly. No injuries or deaths were reported.
The recalled transceivers may not switch from SEND mode into SEARCH mode.
“If this were to occur, the device would not be able to locate a skier in an avalanche, which could result in severe bodily harm or death if the skier is buried under snow,” the recall warns.
The recall involves the following avalanche transceivers:
- PIEPS Micro BT Button
- PIEPS Micro BT Race
- PIEPS Micro BT Sensor
- PIEPS Powder BT
- PIEPS Pro BT
- PIEPS DSP Pro/Sport
- PIEPS DSP Ice
- Black Diamond Recon BT
- Black Diamond Guide BT
They were sold at Liberty Mountain, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) and other specialty outdoor stores nationwide and online at www.backcountry.com from January 2013 through April 2022 for $300 to $450.
PIEPS Avalanche Transceiver Linked to Death in 2017, Four Years Before Recall
In October 2020, a social-media firestorm erupted when several pro skiers and ski professionals warned that Pieps DSP Pro and DSP avalanche transceivers were defective.
The issue went mainstream after pro skier Nick McNutt was buried under several feet of snow in an avalanche in the Canadian backcountry in March 2020. His PIEPS avalanche transceiver failed to transmit a signal, but miraculously, he was rescued alive. He said he checked his transceiver before going out, and after the accident, the transceiver appeared to work like normal, without any apparent signs of damage.
Back in March 2017, skier Corey Lynam died in an avalanche in Hanging Lake, British Columbia. When rescuers found his body, they also found his PIEPS DSP avalanche transceiver was switched off — despite the fact that everyone in the group had checked that their transceivers were operating correctly before heading out.
VIDEO: The Day Nick McNutt Nearly Died in An Avalanche
Black Diamond Recalls PIEPS Avalanche Transceivers
In April 2021, Black Diamond recalled 78,600 PIEPS DSP Avalanche Transceivers that can fail to transmit a signal.
What is the Problem?
The recalled PIEPS avalanche transceivers can switch modes unexpectedly and fail to transmit a signal. This can make it difficult to locate a person in an avalanche, which can result in “severe bodily harm or death,” according to the recall notice from Black Diamond.
How Many People Were Injured?
Black Diamond issued the recall after 65 reports of PIEPS transceivers switching modes, including 1 skier who died in an avalanche, and another skier who “suffered a broken arm and minor injuries.” Both incidents occurred in British Columbia, Canada.
What Avalanche Transceivers Were Recalled?
Black Diamond recalled PIEPS DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP Sport avalanche transceivers with neoprene carrying cases.
They were sold from January 2013 through November 2020 at Liberty Mountain, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), other stores, and www.backcountry.com for between $300 and $450.
PIEPS is printed in black letters on the front of the unit with the model name DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP Sport. The recall includes:
- PIEPS DSP Sport Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1128040000ALL1
- PIEPS DSP Pro Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1127710000ALL1
- PIEPS DSP Pro Ice Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO.PP1127700000ALL1
Canadian Law Firm Files Class Action Lawsuit
On October 16, 2020, a law firm in Canada filed a class action lawsuit against PIEPS and Black Diamond on behalf of Canadians who purchased defective avalanche transceivers.
The lawsuit accuses Black Diamond and PIEPS of selling defective avalanche transceivers that “allegedly turned into ‘Off’ or ‘Search’ mode while being carried.” Their list of faulty products includes:
- Black Diamond Recon BT
- Black Diamond Guide BT
- Pieps DSP Sport
- Pieps DSP Pro
- Pieps Powder BT
- Pieps Pro BT
Do I have an Avalanche Transceiver Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Black Diamond / PIEPS Avalanche Transceiver induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or died when an avalanche transceiver failed to transmit a signal, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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