On November 5, 1983, a Beech A36 (registration N6739U) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, OH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a return flight to Columbus, an alternator warning light prompted the pilot to shut down electrical equipment. Upon landing, the nose and right main gear collapsed, and the aircraft struck a runway light.
Incident Details
On a return flight to Columbus, Ohio, the pilot observed that the alternator warning light was illuminated. After recycling the alternator switch, the pilot proceeded to shut down all electrical equipment. During the arrival phase at the destination, the pilot extended the landing gear handle, but noted a dim unsafe gear light and a discharge indication on the ammeter. The pilot stated that she attempted to extend the landing gear manually. However, during the landing, the nose gear and right main gear collapsed. The aircraft then swerved to the right and struck a runway light.
Post-Incident Testing
Following the incident, the alternator and voltage regulator were removed from the aircraft and tested. Both components operated satisfactorily under test conditions. They were subsequently reinstalled on the aircraft and operated under different load conditions; in all cases, they continued to operate normally. Additionally, the emergency landing gear extension system was tested and found to operate normally as well.