Suspected In Several Airplane Fires

The world's biggest computer-maker is recalling 4.1 million computer batteries because they may be prone to catching fire -- a nasty threat anywhere... but especially on both commercial and cargo planes.

It's the world's biggest consumer electronics recall. The lithium-ion batteries in question were made by Sony and sold in Dell computers between April 2004 and last month. The recall is expected to cost Dell millions.

Lithium-ion batteries are already under heavy scrutiny in a fire aboard a UPS DC-8. The plane was completely burned after the crew declared an emergency on approach to Philadelphia International earlier this year. The crew made it out with injuries.

The NTSB hasn't pinned the blame for that fire on the lithium-ion batteries it was carrying... but has already eliminated several other ignition sources.

Additionally, on May 15 a lithium-ion battery packed in the overhead bin onboard Lufthansa Flight 435 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport began smoldering while the aircraft was on the ground. A flight attendant emptied an extinguisher trying to douse the bag it was in, to no avail... finally, the crew was able to throw the bag down on the tarmac, where it burst into flames.

Two years ago, a load of lithium-ion batteries headed from Memphis to Paris burst into flames as it was being loaded onto a FedEx flight.

The verdict is still out... but it would appear a pattern is emerging.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.dell.com