The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·08364·Announced 2008-08-19

Hobbico Recalls Radio-Controlled Helicopter Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

Hobbico is recalling Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries used in radio-controlled helicopter kits because they can overheat and catch fire while charging.

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 27 reports of flames and minor property damage, which meets the rubric criteria for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' under the Severe (4) classification.

Plain-English summary

Hobbico Inc. is recalling Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) used in radio-controlled helicopter kits. The recall involves batteries sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kits include a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals, and training gear. The words "Electrifly" and "GPMP0401" are printed on the battery.

The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers. Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The batteries were sold at hobby stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200. About 11,000 units are involved in the recall. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery. For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company's recall Web sites at www.helimaxrc.com or www.electrifly.com to register for the recall.

The recalled product

Product
Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopter Kits
Manufacturer
Hobbico Inc., of Champaign, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Radio-Controlled Toys
Hazard
Affected units
11,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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