Consumer Product Safety Commission Cites Burn Hazard From Overheating Batteries

Midwest Trading Group has issued a recall for its Banshee 3 channel remote-controlled helicopters after a report of one of the models catching fire from an overheated battery. The company is offering a full refund for the RC aircraft.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says consumers should stop using this product, which is being recalled voluntarily, unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

According to a CPSC news release, the rechargeable battery inside the helicopters can overheat and ignite the helicopter, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers or nearby items.

The recall involves the Radio Controlled Banshee Helicopter with lights, series 3CH-777. The series number is printed on the product packaging. The plastic helicopters were sold in black and red or black and yellow color combinations and measure about 19 inches long and 6 inches high.  The helicopters have a rounded front yellow cockpit with bee decals and a narrow black plastic tail assembly. They were sold with a remote-control unit and a separate charger. "Fly Dragonfly" and SKU #51727 are printed on the product packaging. "Date of Production: June 2011," "Manufacturer Ultimate Products (HK) Ltd.," and "Distributor MTG Inc." is printed on a white label on the back of the helicopter remote control.

The recall comes after Midwest Trading Group received one report of a helicopter overheating with flames coming from the helicopter and one report of minor property damage.  No injuries have been reported. The company sold the aircraft at Ace Hardware, Alco, Discount Direct, Seen on Screen nationwide and VA Canteen Service and online including PulseTV.com from October 2011 through November 2011 for between $40 and $50. Midwest Trading Group, Inc., Addison, IL, was the importer of the toys. They were manufactured by Ultimate Products (HK) Ltd., of Hong Kong in China. About 9,400 are estimated to have been sold.

Consumers should stop using the remote-controlled helicopters immediately and contact Midwest Trading Group for instructions on receiving a full refund. Midwest Trading Group can be reached toll-free at (866) 815- 4714 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or online. Click on the Recall page for more information.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product.

FMI: Recall