CPSC Recall in 2002: CPSC, Megatech Announce Recall of Rechargeable Battery Packs for Radio Controlled Airplanes

Updated on March 25, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 2002.

Data Source: CPSC.

Recall Number: 02-546

Date: June 05, 2002

Product Name: NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes

Recall Description:

PRODUCT: Batteries - Megatech of North Bergen, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 rechargeable, NiMh battery packs used with certain Megatech radio-controlled airplanes. These battery packs were included with Skyliner model radio-controlled airplanes. They are 7-cell, 8.4V battery packs and are covered in a light green plastic. They measure 1-1/4 inches wide, 3-7/8 inches long, and 1/2 inches thick. Airplanes with the recalled batteries were sold by Hammacher Schlemmer nationwide from December 2000 to March 2001 for a suggested retail price between $224 and $300. The batteries were also sold separately for approximately $36. The batteries were made in China and the battery packs were assembled in Taiwan.PROBLEM: The internal battery cell connections may slip and result in arcing and overheating, posing a fire or thermal burn hazard.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: There have been 2 reports of these batteries overheating and causing localized burns to the interior of automobiles. No injuries have been reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Megatech toll-free at (888) MEGA-911 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday for information on obtaining a replacement power supply.

Hazard Description:

The internal battery cell connections may slip and result in arcing and overheating, posing a fire or thermal burn hazard.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Replace

Units: About 3,000

Incidents:

There have been 2 reports of these batteries overheating and causing localized burns to the interior of automobiles. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:

Airplanes with the recalled batteries were sold by Hammacher Schlemmer nationwide from December 2000 to March 2001 for a suggested retail price between $224 and $300. The batteries were also sold separately for approximately $36. 

Manufactured In:

The batteries were made in China and the battery packs were assembled in Taiwan.