PIPER PA-31-310 near Perryton, TX — 2011-08-17
- Date
- 2011-08-17
- Location
- Perryton, TX, USA
- Airport
- PYX
- Aircraft
- PIPER PA-31-310
- Registration
- N46TB
- Category
- Airplane
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Fatalities
- 0
- Phase of flight
- Taxi
Probable cause
The explosion and subsequent fire in the airplane for undetermined reasons because an examination of the burned airplane could not identify any preaccident anomolies.
NTSB narrative
The pilot was performing pretakeoff cockpit checks at the end of the runway when an explosion under his seat propelled his head into the ceiling. He saw flames inside the airplane and exited through the cabin door. The unoccupied airplane moved forward and was completely engulfed in flames when it stopped moving, about 400 feet from the place the explosion occurred. Firefighters arrived about 10 minutes later and put out the fire. The airplane was substantially damaged by the fire. An examination of the wreckage did not disclose any preaccident malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. The reason for the explosion and fire could not be determined.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Mechanical failure
- First missed decision gate
- Performing pretakeoff checks with engines running could have been avoided.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- Video
- Photos
- 8 docket documents
Docket documents8
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
- Mapsother
- Record of Conversationsother
- Description of Security Camera Video Imagesphotos
- Photo 1 - First responders at the accident scene (Sheriff's Office Photo)photos
- Photo 2 - View of the wreckage after the fire has been extinguished (Sheriff's Office Photo)photos
- Photo 3 - View of the wreckage from the taxiway (Sheriff's Office Photo)photos
- Reports from Local Agencies - Sheriff's Office Incident Report Narrativereport