Flight and Electrical Anomaly
During the flight, the pilot observed a full discharge on the ammeter and an open alternator circuit breaker after air traffic control reported a loss of transponder signal. Attempts to reset the circuit breaker were unsuccessful. The low voltage light did not illuminate. The pilot diverted the flight to White Plains and reduced the electrical load.
Approach and Landing
During the approach, the pilot electrically lowered the flaps and landing gear. He did not recall whether the gear-down lights came on. Upon touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. Post-incident inspection found the main gear stowed in the gear bay.
Examination Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed three wires loosely connected to the alternator circuit breaker. The terminals of the circuit breaker were discolored from silver to blue. It took approximately one and a half turns of the screws to snug the wires to the terminal.