Megatech Recalls Rechargeable Battery Packs for Radio-Controlled Airplanes
Megatech is recalling about 3,000 NiMh battery packs for radio-controlled airplanes because internal connections may slip, causing arcing, overheating, and fire or burn hazards.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire/thermal burn) where injury has not yet been reported, aligning with the High severity criteria.
Plain-English summary
Megatech, of North Bergen, N.J., is recalling about 3,000 rechargeable NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes. These 7-cell, 8.4V battery packs are covered in light green plastic and were included with Skyliner model radio-controlled airplanes. The batteries were made in China and the battery packs were assembled in Taiwan.
The internal battery cell connections may slip, resulting in arcing and overheating. This poses a fire or thermal burn hazard. There have been two reports of these batteries overheating and causing localized burns to the interior of automobiles. No personal injuries have been reported.
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. 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.
The recalled product
- Product
- NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes
- Manufacturer
- Megatech, of North Bergen, N.J.
- Category
- Consumer Product — Batteries
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 3,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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