Safety regulator, Megatech Announce Recall of Rechargeable Battery Packs for Radio Controlled Airplanes
Recall 02546 · Jun 6, 2002 · Megatech
3,000
units affected
3,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 02546
- Date
- Jun 6, 2002
- Company
- Megatech
- Units affected
- 3,000
- Product
- NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes
- Product type
- Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
These rechargeable, NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes 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. The batteries were made in China and the battery packs were assembled in Taiwan.
What can happen
The internal battery cell connections may slip and result in arcing and overheating, posing a fire or thermal burn hazard.
The fix
Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Megatech for information on obtaining a replacement power supply.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- 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.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled nimh battery packs used with certain megatech radio-controlled airplanes?
Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Megatech for information on obtaining a replacement power supply.
What is the hazard?
The internal battery cell connections may slip and result in arcing and overheating, posing a fire or thermal burn 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.