Hobbico Inc. is voluntarily recalling batteries used in radio-controlled helicopters because they can overheat and catch fire while charging, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

Hobbico of Champaign, Ill., said the recall affects 11,000 units and that the company has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and sometimes melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 58.4-centimetre long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read HMX, AXE and Heli-Max and training gear. Electrifly and GPMP0401 are printed on the battery.

The batteries were sold at Hobby Stores in the United States and online from November 2007 to March 2008 for about $35 US. The helicopter kits were sold for $200 US.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Recall notice

Company website