Estes-Cox Radio Control Sky Squadron, Sky Rangers Model Airplanes

Description: Estes-Cox Radio Control Airplanes with Lithium Polymer Batteries Recalled for Fire Hazard NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2007 Release #07-139 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 576-5811 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Estes-Cox Radio Control Airplanes with Lithium Polymer Batteries Recalled for Fire Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of product: Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer Batteries Units: About 66,000 Distributor: Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo. Hazard: The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard. 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. Sold at: 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. Manufactured in: China 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. Consumer 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 [Learn More]