N46TBVans Aircraft RV-12IS · 2025

The flight instructor reported that during the landing, the wind shifted from a headwind and the airspeed dropped. He directed the pilot receiving instruction to increase engine power; however, the pilot’s response was delayed. The flight instructor attempted to correct by adding engine power, but the airplane stalled and landed hard. During the hard landing, the left wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and lift strut. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot receiving instruction was landing the airplane on runway 12 with wind from 180° at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

On August 17, 2011, at 1542 central daylight time, a Piper PA-31-310 multiengine airplane, N46TB, was substantially damaged after an explosion and fire prior to takeoff at Perryton Ochiltree County Airport (PYX), Perryton, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot sustained minor injuries. At the time of the accident the airplane was departing for a flight to Shawnee Regional Airport (SNL), Shawnee, Oklahoma.

After taxiing the airplane to the end of the runway the pilot performed pretakeoff cockpit checks with the engines running at 1,200 rpms. He reported there was an explosion under his seat that propelled his head into the ceiling and he then saw flames inside the airplane. With both engines still operating he immediately left his cockpit seat and the unpiloted airplane began moving as the pilot exited through the cabin door. The airplane was completely engulfed in flames when it finally stopped moving about 400 feet away. Firefighters arrived in about 10 minutes and quickly put out the fire. The airplane was substantially damaged by the fire.

The pilot reported that he used either his airplane or his vehicle in his duties as a sales manager for a company which provides chemicals to oil and gas drilling and production operations in the area. He also reported that he was not transporting chemicals at the time of the accident.

An examination of the wreckage did not disclose any preaccident malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Investigators were unable to determine the source of the fire and explosion.