Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands on Interstate Highway After Reporting Problem (N9423P)

Stratford, CT, US

On December 26, 1991, a Piper PA-24-260C (registration N9423P) operated by Stanley Postyn was involved in an aviation accident near Stratford, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WATER/ICE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION AND A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND INADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, a pilot reported a problem and was cleared to land on any runway. Unable to reach the airport, the pilot landed on I-95, striking guard rails and barriers. Ice was found in the fuel system. The aircraft had not been flown since refueling months earlier.

Incident

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot radioed that he had a problem. Air traffic control cleared him to land on any runway. The pilot responded, "... I don't think I can make that (airport), I see the highway below." The airplane then landed at an angle to the southbound lanes of Interstate Highway I-95. During the landing, it struck a guard rail and the center cement barriers.

Investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the left main fuel tank. Pieces of ice were removed from the left main fuel tank, the fuel selector valve, and the fuel strainer sediment bowl. The airplane was last refueled on October 27, 1991, with 53.9 gallons of 100 octane fuel. No record was found to indicate that the airplane had been flown since that refueling.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18662. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.