Incident Overview
A pilot flying a float-equipped Citabria 7GCBC experienced a loss of engine power while adding power and raising the nose for a cruise climb from 3,500 feet. The pilot initiated a forced landing towards a pond.
Engine Behavior
As the aircraft neared touchdown on the pond, the engine regained power and responded to throttle inputs. The pilot decided to overfly the pond at a low altitude. Upon approaching the far end of the pond, the pilot raised the nose to clear trees, at which point the engine again lost power.
Forced Landing
With a swampy area ahead and the aircraft traveling too fast for a normal landing, the pilot executed a controlled descent onto the water, planting the aircraft on the pond's surface.
Fuel and Modification Details
Investigation revealed that the aircraft had been fueled with automobile gasoline. It had not been modified in accordance with an approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for automobile gasoline usage. Additionally, the float inside the carburetor was determined to be the wrong type for use with automobile gasoline.