Incident Overview
About 40 to 45 minutes after departure, the pilot observed that the electrical load meters indicated zero, and alternator warning lights were illuminated. An attempt to reset the system was unsuccessful due to low battery voltage.
Precautionary Landing Decision
In response to the electrical failure, the pilot decided to make a precautionary landing at Holly Springs, Mississippi. However, the landing gear could not be lowered electrically. The pilot then attempted manual gear extension but was unable to unstow the emergency crank, which was located behind the seat.
Landing and Post-Accident Examination
Unable to extend the landing gear, the pilot opted to perform a gear-up landing on grass adjacent to the paved runway. A post-accident examination of the aircraft failed to reveal any failure in the landing gear extension system that would have prevented gear extension. Additionally, no cause for the electrical system failure was identified during the examination. The pilot noted that a load on the load meters was observed during engine start at Jackson.