Amateur-built STEEN SKYBOLT accident near Big Bear, California, August 28, 2026
On August 28, 2026 at about 1:20 am local time, a amateur-built STEEN SKYBOLT, registered N43PK, was substantially damaged in an accident during approach (VFR pattern base) near Big Bear, California (Big Bear City Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The NTSB has not yet published a probable cause for this accident. Investigations usually take one to two years; this page updates when the final report is released.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- August 28, 2026 · about 1:20 am local time
- Place
- Big Bear, California · Big Bear City Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built STEEN SKYBOLT
- Registration
- N43PK · registry record · serial 2004
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Aerodynamic stall/spin during approach (VFR pattern base) defining event
- Miscellaneous/other during maneuvering
- Loss of control in flight during emergency descent
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 875 hours
- Last inspection: continuous airworthiness programme, November 22, 2025
- Maximum gross weight: 1,800 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 26, 5,850 ft by 75 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 300° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 77°F (25°C), dew point 45°F (7°C)
- Altimeter: 30.28 inHg
- Observation at 6:15 pm from KL35
Weather report (METAR): METAR KL35 280115Z AUTO 30007KT 9SM CLR 25/07 A3028 RMK AO2 T02540074
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.