Accident Summary
A pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power three times within a 10-minute period. The engine restarted on the first two occasions but failed to start on the third. The pilot executed a power-off forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a ditch and nosed over.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he had sufficient fuel to reach the intended airport, which was located 8 miles from the accident site.
Investigation Findings
An FAA inspector and local police examined the accident site and the airplane. They found approximately 6 ounces of fuel remaining in the aircraft's fuel cells. No evidence of fuel spillage was observed on the ground.
Further examination revealed wrinkles in the fuel bladders. The inspector noted that airworthiness directives concerning the fuel tanks had not been complied with. Additionally, the pilot had been using automobile gasoline in the airplane, and the engine lacked a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) authorizing the use of such fuel.
Engine Examination
The FAA inspector examined the engine and reported no evidence of mechanical failure or deficiency that could have caused the loss of engine power.