Accident Overview
On September 1, 2009, at 1053 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N32146) was substantially damaged during a forced landing on Interstate 495 in Mansfield, Massachusetts. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated at Laurence Hanscom Field Airport (BED) in Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1010, operating under 14 CFR Part 91.
Preflight and Flight Sequence
According to the pilot, he performed a pre-flight inspection and "topped off" the fuel tanks, straining the fuel with no contamination noted. No anomalies were observed during the pre-flight or run-up inspections. The pilot departed toward the northeast, flew around Boston, and then toward Gillette Stadium.
Engine Malfunction
While southeast of the stadium at an altitude of 2,500 feet, the pilot performed a power-on stall. Shortly after recovery, the engine began to "sputter and run rough." The pilot activated carburetor heat, adjusted pitch for best glide speed, and headed toward Mansfield Airport. The engine maintained 1,500 RPM. Oil pressure, oil temperature, and fuel pressure were in the green. Both fuel tanks showed "plenty of fuel," and the pilot switched tanks.
Forced Landing
Realizing the airplane could not reach Mansfield Airport, the pilot prepared to land on Interstate 495. During the approach, he overflew a sign and touched down before an overpass. The left wing struck a barrier during the landing, and the airplane came to rest on the highway side.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the aircraft. Substantial damage was noted to both wings and the nose. Fuel drained from the right tank showed no contamination; the left tank was ruptured. The engine crankshaft rotated freely, with valve train continuity and thumb compression confirmed on all cylinders. Both magnetos produced spark at all terminal leads, and spark plugs exhibited normal wear. The fuel pump and lines had no anomalies or contamination.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane, as well as a flight instructor certificate for single-engine airplanes. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on January 29, 2009. He reported 664 total flight hours, with 64 hours in the preceding 90 days.
The aircraft was on an Approved Inspection Program. The most recent inspection occurred on August 13, 2009, at a tachometer time of 917 hours. The engine had accumulated 774 hours since major overhaul.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Norwood Memorial Airport (approximately 10 miles from the accident site) at 1053 included wind from 350° at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 68°F, dew point 45°F, and an altimeter setting of 30.29 inches of mercury. Review of the FAA carburetor ice probability chart indicated that the temperature and dew point were conducive to "serious icing" conditions at glide power.