Casualties unknown

Aircraft Catches Fire During Taxi After Aborted Takeoff (N757KE)

Bishop, CA, US

On July 22, 1983, a Cessna TR182RG II (registration N757KE) operated by Robert Thayer was involved in an aviation accident near Bishop, CA. 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

An aircraft caught fire during taxi after an aborted takeoff when blue-gray smoke and flames emerged from the right wheel. The pilot could not stop due to loss of brake pressure, and the aircraft rolled into a dry grass area and burned.

Aborted Takeoff

During the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed a vibration and a slight pulling to the left. The brakes and engine had been checked with nothing noted, but the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft was allowed to roll to a stop without using brakes.

Taxi Fire

After stopping and detecting nothing unusual, the pilot decided to attempt another takeoff. While taxiing and checking the brakes, blue-gray smoke came out of the wheels, followed by flames from the right wheel.

Attempt to Stop

An attempt to stop the aircraft was ineffectual, as the pilot stated there was no pressure in the brake pedals. The aircraft rolled into a dry grass area and burned.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 1983 Cessna TR182RG II accident near Bishop, CA?

An aircraft caught fire during taxi after an aborted takeoff when blue-gray smoke and flames emerged from the right wheel. The pilot could not stop due to loss of brake pressure, and the aircraft rolled into a dry grass area and burned.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 1983 involved a Cessna TR182RG II, registration N757KE, operated by Robert Thayer, at Bishop, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43827. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.