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

Recalled March 27, 2007 · CPSC recall 07139 · Estes-Cox

Recalled Sky Squadron Model Airplane PackageRecalled Sky Squadron Model AirplaneRecalled Sky Rangers Model Airplane PackageRecalled Sky Rangers Model Airplane
Hazard
The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.
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.
Units
About 66,000
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.

What to do

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

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

Product
Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer Batteries
Distributed by
Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo.
Retailers
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.
Made in
China

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →

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