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CPSC, Megatech Announce Recall of Rechargeable Battery Packs for Radio Controlled Airplanes

U.S. CPSCFireBurnsJun 6, 2002
Radio-controlled plane used with recalled battery packs
Radio-controlled plane used with recalled battery packs
Recalled battery pack and replacement battery pack
Recalled battery pack and replacement battery pack

Photos from the official notice: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · image rights

Hazard

The internal battery cell connections may slip and result in arcing and overheating, posing a fire or thermal burn hazard.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Megatech for information on obtaining a replacement power supply.

Incidents & injuries

There have been 2 reports of these batteries overheating and causing localized burns to the interior of automobiles. No injuries have been reported.

Product description

These rechargeable, NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes were included with Skyliner model radio-controlled airplanes. They are 7-cell, 8.4V battery packs and are covered in a light green plastic. They measure 1-1/4 inches wide, 3-7/8 inches long, and 1/2 inches thick. The batteries were made in China and the battery packs were assembled in Taiwan.

Sold on

Airplanes with the recalled batteries were sold by Hammacher Schlemmer nationwide, from December 2000 to March 2001, for a suggested retail price between $224 and $300. The batteries were also sold separately for approximately $36.

Contact the company

Consumers may contact Megatech toll-free at (888) MEGA-911 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday for information.

What should I do?

Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.

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