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Estes-Cox Radio Control Airplanes with Lithium Polymer Batteries Recalled for Fire Hazard

  • Recalled Sky Squadron Model 4153 remote control airplane with lithium batteries
  • Recalled Sky Squadron Model 4153 remote control airplane with lithium batteries
  • Recalled Sky Rangers Model 4161 remote control airplane with lithium batteries
  • Recalled Sky Rangers Model 4161 remote control airplane with lithium batteries
Name of Product:
Sky Squadron Model 4153 and Sky Rangers Model 4161 radio controlled airplanes with rechargeable lithium batteries
Hazard:

The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy:
Replace
Recall Date:
March 27, 2007
Units:

About 66,000

Consumer Contact

For additional information, contact Estes-Cox at (800) 576-5811 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.estesrockets.com.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 66,000 Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer Batteries. The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.

Name of product: Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer Batteries

Units: About 66,000

Distributor: Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo.

Hazard: The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Estes-Cox has received nine reports of overheating, including one report of a plane catching fire and resulting in a minor burn injury.

Description: This recall involves Sky Squadron Model 4153 (sold at RadioShack) and Sky Rangers Model 4161 (sold at Wal-Mart) radio controlled airplanes with rechargeable lithium batteries. The airplanes have a wingspan of about 18 to 20 inches and a polystyrene foam fuselage. Model 4153 is a blue Corsair single engine airplane with a Number 15 decal and a black and blue transmitter/charger. Model 4161 is a red twin engine plane with an all-black transmitter/charger. The model numbers are on the box and instructions.

Sold at: RadioShack stores nationwide sold the Sky Squadron Airplane from December 2006 through February 2007 for about $35. Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold the Sky Ranger Airplane from January 2007 through February 2007 for about $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers with the recalled airplanes should stop using them immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on returning the airplane for a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Estes-Cox at (800) 576-5811 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.estesrockets.com.

Remedy:

Consumers with the recalled airplanes should stop using them immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on returning the airplane for a replacement product.

Incidents/Injuries:

Estes-Cox has received nine reports of overheating, including one report of a plane catching fire and resulting in a minor burn injury.

Sold At:
RadioShack stores nationwide sold the Sky Squadron Airplane from December 2006 through February 2007 for about $35. Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold the Sky Ranger Airplane from January 2007 through February 2007 for about $30.
Distributor(s):
Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo.
Manufactured In:
China
Recall number:
07-139

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.

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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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