The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·07139·Announced 2007-03-27

Estes-Cox Radio Control Airplanes Recalled for Fire Hazard

Estes-Cox is recalling Sky Squadron and Sky Rangers radio control airplanes because their lithium polymer batteries can overheat and catch fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with a reported minor burn injury, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury reports) under the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Estes-Cox Corp. is recalling approximately 66,000 Sky Squadron Model 4153 and Sky Rangers Model 4161 radio control airplanes. These models feature rechargeable lithium polymer batteries that can overheat while recharging, posing a fire hazard. The Sky Squadron Model 4153 is a blue Corsair single-engine airplane with a Number 15 decal, while the Sky Rangers Model 4161 is a red twin-engine plane. Both models have wingspans of about 18 to 20 inches and polystyrene foam fuselages.

The company has received nine reports of overheating, including one instance where a plane caught fire and caused a minor burn injury. The Sky Squadron airplanes were sold at RadioShack stores nationwide from December 2006 through February 2007 for about $35. The Sky Rangers airplanes were sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from January 2007 through February 2007 for about $30.

Consumers should stop using the recalled airplanes immediately. To obtain a replacement product, consumers should contact Estes-Cox at (800) 576-5811 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit www.estesrockets.com.

The recalled product

Product
Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer Batteries
Category
Consumer Product — Toys & Hobbies
Hazard
Affected units
66,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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