20220302008899A

On 03/02/2022, N8814X took off out of thermal airport and leveled off in low-level cruise proceeding towards the north shore of the salton sea. The aircraft had been modified from tricycle to conventional landing gear and with the addition of a tail boom housing a sensor for the purpose of surveying for rare earth minerals over unpopulated areas. Since the aircraft needed to maintain low level flight to accomplish the purpose of the flight, and proceeded towards its survey area in the vicinity of the north shore of the salton sea at approximately 400' above ground level. The pilot reported that after a normal climb and initial cruise, the aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot stated that initial power loss retained some use of engine power, but that seconds later, the airplane's powerplant completely failed. Because the aircraft was operating at approximately low level, the pilot reported that he immediately responded but executing a right turn from an easterly heading to approach and land on a dirt field to the south. The aircraft touched down on the lose earth of the field and completed a significant distance of landing roll in a westerly direction before final application of brakes or resistance of accumulated earth resulted in the airplane flipping, overturning, and coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained significant damage to major components and aircraft structure, but the pilot reported being unharmed. The pilot stated that he was the only occupant of the aircraft and that he had been flying the airplane from the left front seat.