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bzubee

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1. Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2008

Release #08-364

I know some of our model boaters do fly the RC Helis so here is a heads up.

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 462-2426

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to 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.

Name of Product: Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopter Kits

Units: About 11,000

Importer/Distributor: Hobbico Inc., of Champaign, Ill.

Hazard: The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: 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.

Description: This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read "HMX", "AXE" and "Heli-Max" and training gear. "Electrifly" and "GPMP0401" are printed on the battery.

Sold at: Hobby Stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: 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

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08364.html
 
Yeah, a house in our neighborhood burned to the groud from a fire that was likely started from a LiPo battery pack in an R/C car that was purchased in China as a trip gift. THe car was put on charge before they went to church and about 30 minutes later the house was fully involved.
 
i wonder if the battery that comes with the e-flite "blade cx2" heli is made by the same folks? jr.'s blade has gone through 3 batteries since march..... 1 burst, 1 kinda melted/overheated & the last did try to catch fire. these say e-flite, with a part # eflb0990 - assembled in (guesswhere? :rolleyes: ) china. he won't buy anymore "stock" replacements, i refused to let him charge them at the house ;) ! told him i had a hammer that would turn the batteries & charger into VERY small pieces :eek: :lol: :lol: .
 
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