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Cockpit Smoke and Flames Precede Landing Collision and Fire (N13165)

Brownsville, KY, US

On February 8, 1982, a Cessna C-172 (registration N13165) operated by Billy Thomas was involved in an aviation accident near Brownsville, KY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During climb after takeoff, a pilot noticed smoke in the cockpit and reported flames. He returned to the airstrip, shut off fuel and electrical systems, but was unable to stop, colliding with a tree and barn. A witness evacuated the dazed pilot; the aircraft and barn were destroyed by fire.

Accident Sequence

While climbing after takeoff, the pilot noticed smoke in the cockpit. He reported that flames began to enter the cockpit as he was turning back to the airstrip. When he saw that he could land back on the strip, he reportedly shut off the fuel, master switch, and magnetos.

According to a witness, the aircraft touched down at about mid-field. The pilot was unable to stop on the runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree and a barn.

Evacuation and Fire

After the collision, the witness noted that the pilot was dazed and assisted in evacuating him from the aircraft. At that time, the witness observed blue sparks coming from beneath the dashboard on the pilot's side. After they moved about 30 feet away from the plane, it burst into flames. The barn and the aircraft were destroyed by fire.

In-flight fire & smoke

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Feb 1982 Cessna C-172 accident near Brownsville, KY?

During climb after takeoff, a pilot noticed smoke in the cockpit and reported flames. He returned to the airstrip, shut off fuel and electrical systems, but was unable to stop, colliding with a tree and barn. A witness evacuated the dazed pilot; the aircraft and barn were destroyed by fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Feb 1982 involved a Cessna C-172, registration N13165, operated by Billy Thomas, at Brownsville, KY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01667. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.