Background
The pilot had been using automotive gasoline (auto gas) in his aircraft. He previously encountered water contamination problems with auto gas and had discontinued its use. Later, while at an airport in need of fuel, he found that only auto gas was available, so he refueled with it.
Accident Sequence
While performing a touch-and-go landing at Brewer Airport, the pilot experienced a partial power loss during the climbout at an altitude of 700 to 800 feet above ground level. He decided to attempt a forced landing on an unopened section of a highway. On short final approach, just prior to touchdown, he noticed a set of power lines in his path. He dove the aircraft to pass beneath the power lines. The aircraft then struck the road surface with sufficient force to cause it to bounce back into the air. Subsequently, the pilot lost control, and the aircraft descended to the left. Upon contacting the ground, the aircraft flipped over.