Hobbico recalls helicopter batteries

Published: Aug. 19, 2008 at 5:03 PM

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Hobbico Inc. batteries used in radio-controlled helicopters due to a fire hazard.

The Electrify lithium-polymer batteries, sold as part No. GPMP0401 with or separate from the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopters can overheat and catch fire while charging, CPSC said in a statement.

About 11,000 of the batteries, distributed by Hobbico Inc., of Champaign, Ill.. were sold at hobby stores nationwide from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35 apiece. The helicopter kits sold for about $200, CPSC said.

The full kits include a 23-inch long helicopter, a battery, radio transmitter, a balance changer, an AC wall adapter and a car adapter, CPSC said.

Consumers were advised to stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on how to receive a free replacement battery.

Consumers can call Hobbico at 866-462-2426 for information.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Your Daily Horoscope (13 min)
The almanac (43 min)
Bad toy choices are poorly managed risk
Scent enhances memories
Earth-like planet seen 40 light-years away
Giving the gift of higher IQ
NBA: Sacramento 112, Washington 109
fark
City issues ban on smoking in all public parks, then agrees not to have police enforce it, opting...
Catholics predictably pissed off about billboard ad that suggests the second coming might not have...
Right on schedule, it's time for the "Companies are downsizing their holiday parties" story
Do not taunt the taekwondo monkeys
Drinking beer while crossdressing is no way to go through life, son. Especially when you're just...
A teen who was flashing her breasts at passing cars was found guilty of disorderly behavior after...