LAX82FVD18

The aircraft struck and severed 3 power lines about 3 miles south of the departure airport. Prior to the accident, it was observed flying at low altitude in the vicinity. The pilot stated that he flew by a mobile home park to verify that a trailer had been moved. He also stated that the engine was not developing full power when he departed the mobile home area and that he encountered turbulence and a downdraft during climb-out. He then struck the lines; however, the aircraft had sufficient power to fly through and severe the 12KV lines, which were about 1/2 inch in diameter, and then climb up to a sufficiently high altitude to fly back to the airport and land. The entire engine cowling was torn loose from the edge of the firewall attach points; the propeller tips were bent forward about 3 inches; 3 of the 4 left wing strut attach rivets at the wing attach point were sheared; a number of electric arc burn spots were found on the propeller and left wing skin.