Incident Details
According to reports, the aircraft was conducting an air taxi cargo flight operated by Air Express of Hayward, California. It reportedly departed Reno, Nevada, without a flight plan for a flight to Sacramento and Hayward, California. While en route, the aircraft experienced an electrical failure.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he turned off all unnecessary electrical equipment. As he approached Travis Air Force Base, he turned on one radio and requested a partial approach to land. However, while receiving vectors, he lost radio contact and elected to land on a road.
Landing and Damage
During the landing, a wing of the aircraft struck a telephone pole. The weather at Travis Air Force Base was reported as 400 feet overcast with visibility of 1 3/4 miles in fog.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the right generator armature lead had been removed and was insulated from electrical contact. The left generator armature lead had broken loose, and the battery had become discharged. The operator did not submit an accident report, so the type of operation is presumed.