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

  • Radio-controlled plane used with recalled battery packs
  • Recalled battery pack and replacement battery pack
Name of Product:
NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes
Hazard:

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

Remedy:
Replace
Recall Date:
June 06, 2002
Units:

About 3,000

Consumer Contact

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

Recall Details

Description:

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.

Remedy:

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.

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.

Sold At:
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.
Manufactured In:
The batteries were made in China and the battery packs were assembled in Taiwan.
Recall number:
02-546

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury 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. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC. 

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