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

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Recall Date:
June 06, 2002

Recall Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2002

Alert #02-546

 

PRODUCT: Batteries - Megatech of North Bergen, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 rechargeable, NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes. These battery packs 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. 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. The batteries were made in China and the battery packs were assembled in Taiwan.

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

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.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Megatech toll-free at (888) MEGA-911 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday for information on obtaining a replacement power supply.

Picture of recalled radio-controlled airplanePicture of recalled and good radio-controlled airplane batteries

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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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