Estes-Cox Radio Control Airplanes with Lithium Polymer Batteries Recalled for Fire Hazard
Recall 07139 · Mar 27, 2007 · Estes-Cox Corp.
66,000
units affected
66,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 07139
- Date
- Mar 27, 2007
- Company
- Estes-Cox Corp.
- Units affected
- 66,000
- Product
- Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer Batteries
- Product type
- Radio-Controlled Airplanes
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
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.
What can happen
The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.
The fix
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 and where it was sold
- Incidents
- 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.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled radio control model airplanes (models 4153 and 4161) with lithium polymer batteries?
Consumers with the recalled airplanes should stop using them immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on returning the airplane for a replacement product.
What is the hazard?
The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.