On November 24, 1997, at 1628 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172N, N738LC, was substantially damaged when it collided with approach lights while landing at Watkins, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 Part 91. The flight originated approximately 1530. According to the pilot, after an uneventful local flight of about one hour, he returned to Front Range Airport for a landing. While in the landing pattern for runway 28, the pilot noticed another airplane in close proximity to his, so he elected to maneuver the airplane for spacing. While maneuvering the airplane, the engine lost power. Attempts to restart the engine were to no avail, so the pilot made a forced landing on an access road near the runway. During the landing roll, the right wing struck an approach light stanchion. While the airplane sat on the ground, the pilot tried to start the engine. He was not successful. About 15 minutes later, after starting to walk for help, he returned to the airplane and tried starting the engine again. The engine backfired, then started. The pilot then taxied the airplane to the parking area. The pilot later said the fuel tanks were full when he preflighted the airplane, and the fuel selector remained in the BOTH position for the duration of the 1 hour flight. Postaccident examination disclosed damaged to the right wing, left wing strut, right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, and fuselage. The engine was later started by the operator and full power was attained.