Click here for the Recall Press Release
Estes-Cox Radio Control Airplanes with Lithium Batteries Recall
Questions and Answers
Scope of the Recall
Q. Which models of remote-controlled airplanes are being recalled?
A. Model numbers 4153 (item 60-150) and 4161.
Q. When and where were the airplanes sold?
A. Radio Shack stores throughout the United States sold the Model 4153 Sky Squadron Airplane from December 2006 through February 2007. Wal-Mart stores throughout the United States sold the Model 4161 Sky Ranger Airplane from January 2007 through February 2007.
Q. Where is the model number located?
A. It’s printed on the side of the box just above the UPC and bar code.
Q. Is the model number anywhere other than on the box
A. The model number is also on the front page of the instructions, near the top on the right, just below the picture of the airplane.
Q. How else can consumer tell if their plane is included in the recall?
A. Model 4153, a Sky Squadron Corsair remote-controlled airplane, was sold only at Radio Shack. Model 4153 is blue, has a single engine, and comes with a number 15 decal and a black and blue transmitter/charger. The plane is not included in the recall if
Model 4161, a Sky Rangers remote-controlled airplane, was sold only at Wal-Mart. Model 4161 is a red twin-engine plane with black and white decals and comes with an all-black transmitter/charger. The plane is not included in the recall if
Q. What do the recalled planes look like?
A. Model 4153 is a radio-controlled blue, single-engine Corsair with a number 15 decal, and comes with a black and blue transmitter/charger.
Model 4161 is a red radio-controlled plane with black and white decals and two engines and propellers. It comes with an all-black transmitter/charger.
Q. Are other Sky Rangers airplanes included in the recall?
A. No. The only Sky Rangers airplane being recalled is Model 4161, which was only sold at Wal-Mart. Model 4161 is a red twin-engine plane with black and white decals and comes with an all-black transmitter/charger.
Reasons for Recall
Q. Why are these planes being recalled?
A. The planes may overheat while charging, which could cause a fire.
Q. What causes the plane to overheat?
A. The plane’s rechargeable lithium battery may overheat if it is not charging properly.
Q. How did Estes learn of this issue?
A. Estes has received reports from consumers that these airplanes have overheated, including one report of a plane catching fire and resulting in a minor burn injury.
Instructions for Participating in the Recall
Q. What should consumers do if they have one of the recalled airplanes?
A. Consumers who have one of the recalled airplanes should:
1. Stop using the plane immediately, as there is a possibility of the plane overheating while charging, which could cause a fire.
2. Call 1 (800) 576-5811 toll-free or go to our website, www.estesrockets.com, to send an e-mail to Estes to register for the voluntary recall. (Consumers who send an email must provide their name, address, and telephone number in the email, and type RECALL in the Subject Line. They should also include the model number of their airplane.)
Estes will send participating consumers by First Class Mail, a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope. Consumers will then follow the instructions below to return the fuselage (body) of the airplane to Estes and receive a replacement Sky Rangers radio-controlled airplane, Model 4168, free of charge.
Q. How will consumers receive a replacement airplane?
A. Consumers who register for the recall will receive from Estes a pre-addressed, postage paid envelope and the following instructions to return the fuselage (body) of the airplane to Estes:
1. Remove the wings so that the fuselage will fit into the envelope that Estes will send to you after you register for the voluntary recall.
2. Place the fuselage in the envelope and mail back to Estes via the U.S. Postal Service.
3. Remove batteries from your transmitter/charger (controller).
4. Dispose of the transmitter/charger (controller).
5. Upon receipt of the returned fuselage, Estes will send a replacement Sky Rangers radio-controlled airplane, Model 4168. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
Q. Can consumers return the product back to the store?
A. No, to participate in the recall, consumers must contact Estes by calling 1 (800) 576-5811 toll-free or by going to our website, www.estesrockets.com you.
Q. Why does it take 4 weeks to receive the replacement product?
A. Estes is working to provide your replacement as quickly as possible. Most likely you will receive your replacement sooner but we may experience a heavy volume of returns or unexpected delays.
Q. Can consumers keep their airplane if it is working well?
A. No. For the safety of consumers, it is important that they participate in the voluntary recall.
Q. Can consumers use the transmitter from the recalled airplanes with their new plane?
A. No. Consumers should only use the transmitter/charger that is provided with the plane.
Q. Can consumers fix the plane themselves?
A. No. To participate in the voluntary recall, consumers must follow the instructions above and will receive a new airplane free of charge.
Q. May consumers get a refund instead of a new airplane?
A. No. The recall remedy is a new airplane, which Estes will provide free of charge, and not a refund.
If you have other questions for which you do not find an answer, please feel free to contact us via the phone number or email information provided.