What happened
On May 25, 2024, at approximately 1720 Pacific daylight time, a Steen Skybolt aircraft, registration N873X, was involved in an accident near Santa Maria, California. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
During the approach to the destination airport, the pilot executed a go-around. While performing a left turn from the base leg to runway 30, the engine sputtered twice and suffered a loss of power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and began a forced landing into an open area.
As the aircraft descended to approximately 300 feet above ground level, the pilot noted that the terrain was steeper than initially perceived. To maintain enough airspeed to clear a hill ahead, the pilot pushed the nose down. Upon passing the hill, the pilot identified high-tension power lines. In an attempt to fly over the wires, the aircraft's tailwheel contacted the lines. The aircraft then struck trees and nosed over, eventually coming to rest inverted on a road.
There were no injuries resulting from the accident. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically to the upper wing.