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

US Consumer Product Safety Commission

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.