Incident Overview
While returning for landing, the pilot selected the gear down and felt it extend but could not recall seeing the green gear-down indicator lights due to scanning for traffic. Shortly thereafter, the pilot experienced a rapid decay in electrical power. The pilot then used the emergency gear extension system to satisfy himself that the gear was locked down.
Landing and Collapse
After receiving a green light from the tower, the pilot landed on the main gear and eased the nose wheel onto the runway. As the nose wheel touched down, the nose gear collapsed, causing the propeller and nose of the airplane to strike the runway.
Post-Inspection Findings
Subsequent inspection revealed that one diode in the alternator and the storage battery were inoperative, and the voltage regulator was not operating properly. The nose gear extension brace was found bent enough to prevent the nose gear from extending completely.