ORIGINAL: gaRCfield
I haven't heard anything about nitro content causing dead sticks, at least as long as you are in the recommended range (for OS 46AX it's 5% to 20%) and tune your engine when you change nitro content. Higher nitro contents require a change in ignition timing. FYI I've tried 10% and 15%. There's no need for 15% nitro. It makes the engine run hotter with no real noticeable change in power. 10% runs great, plenty of power, and doesn't get too hot (therefore less wear/easier on the engine). It's less expensive, too!
How do you change the timing on a two-stroke? ;-) Different thickness of head gasket to alter the compression? All mine have is a high and low-idle needle adjustment. ;-0
I had an SK .50 engine and, swear it's true, had 24 successful consecutive deadstick landings. Still have the engine, but now is reliable with a Perry carb in place of the original. As has been stated above, keep the nose down and try for somewhere flat. Failing that, look for soft. I'm very lucky in that our field is 1/2 mile x 1 mile of relativelty flat field and this engine always konked after at least one minute of running so I had altitude (and came to expect the konk-out).
I also started out with 2-channel high-start gliders (back when you could buy a new VW for $1,900 and gasoline was 37.9ยข/gal.) and every landing with a glider is a dead-stick. Don't panic and NEVER stop flying the plane. Use the time and altitude you have wisely and fruegally.