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