Incident Summary
A pilot reported that an electrical failure occurred during a flight, prompting a gear-up landing. The pilot stated that darkness prevented him from seeing the mechanical landing gear position indicator. A post-accident examination revealed that the battery was depleted and several electrical switches were in the on position, while both generator switches were off.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the electrical failure coincided with dusk, making it impossible to visually confirm the landing gear position via the mechanical indicator. The pilot performed a GUMP check—verifying gas, undercarriage, mixture, and propeller—and confirmed that the landing gear handle was in the down position. However, the gear position lights were extinguished. The pilot noted that the gear warning horn did not sound, leading them to proceed with a gear-up landing.
Post-Accident Examination
Investigators examined the aircraft after the accident. The battery was found to be dead. The switches for the radio, lights, transponder, and rotating beacon were all in the on position, while both generator switches were off. Once the battery was charged, all systems and lights operated normally, indicating no other malfunctions.
Pilot Reflection
In a statement, the pilot acknowledged not connecting the electrical problem with the landing gear issue. The pilot remarked that the accident could have been avoided by using a flashlight to check the mechanical gear position indicator, suggesting that the failure to do so contributed to the outcome.