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One of my good buddies flies north of the artic circle frequently where
another friend has a cabin.  He flies a Super Cub and uses auto gas.  He
also thought it a good idea to occasionally add an alcohol based agent that
combines with water preventing a buildup of water in his fuel tanks.  

Several years ago upon returning from the cabin in -25F weather the engine
quit and he landed on skis in a snowy field about 80 miles from any
civilization.  Fortunately, he was flying with a C-185 who also landed to
assist.  They found about 1/2" of hoar frost attached to the upper inside
of the fuel tanks.  Investigating further, they found the fuel filter was
full of ice crystals.  Keep in mind that the OAT is -25F.  They heated the
fuel lines and filter and drained the fuel tanks of all fuel. They refueled
the Cub from the other aircraft and both took off.  
Two engine stoppages and forced landings later, the Cub made it back to
Minnesota.

The problem leading to this incident is based upon the fact that alcohol
will combine and hold more water at high temperatures that at cold
temperatures.  This is something to keep in mind when you take off in nice
temperatures and climb to those freezing temperatures with oxygenated auto
fuels and or alcohol based additives.

Jim Frantz    
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