What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot moved the Cessna (type not specified) out of a hangar and performed a sump of the wing fuel tanks. The aircraft remained outside for the duration of the day as ambient temperatures increased; no additional sumping of the wing tanks was performed after this initial check.
Following takeoff, the pilot reduced engine power to maintain level flight at the airport traffic pattern altitude. During this phase, the engine began to run rough. In response, the pilot initiated an emergency landing approach toward a snow-covered airstrip located near the approach end of an asphalt runway. While the engine roughness temporarily diminished, allowing the pilot to be cleared to land on the larger asphalt runway, the engine subsequently quit.
The aircraft touched down in a snow-covered area situated between the end of the small airstable and the beginning of the asphalt runway. The impact caused the airplane to nose over, resulting in damage to the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the left wing lift strut. All occupants were not injured.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed a wrinkle in the left wing fuel bladder. Additionally, investigators found 3 ounces of water present in the gascolator.