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Alternator Belt Failure Leads to Hard Landing and Substantial Damage (N2032M)

Fort Myers, FL, US

On April 17, 1988, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2032M) operated by Mcmullan, Thomas A was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Myers, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The alternator belt broke, resulting in loss of electrical power which the pilot did not recognize before the battery was drained, and the pilot became over-anxious to land, leading to a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a personal cross-country flight, the alternator belt broke, causing loss of electrical power. The pilot did not recognize the problem before the battery drained, and a precautionary landing resulted in a hard landing with substantial damage.

Incident Description

During a personal cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced a failure of the alternator belt. This resulted in a loss of electrical power. The pilot did not recognize the loss of electrical power before the battery had been fully drained.

Precautionary Landing

As a consequence of the electrical failure, the pilot conducted a precautionary landing. During this landing, the aircraft touched down hard, resulting in substantial damage.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that he became over-anxious to land the aircraft. He further stated that he should have realized that the alternator was not working and that the battery had been drained.

Damage

The hard landing caused substantial damage to the aircraft. No other damage or injuries were reported.

Probable cause

The alternator belt broke, resulting in loss of electrical power which the pilot did not recognize before the battery was drained, and the pilot became over-anxious to land, leading to a hard landing.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1988 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Fort Myers, FL?

During a personal cross-country flight, the alternator belt broke, causing loss of electrical power. The pilot did not recognize the problem before the battery drained, and a precautionary landing resulted in a hard landing with substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1988 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2032M, operated by Mcmullan, Thomas A, at Fort Myers, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The alternator belt broke, resulting in loss of electrical power which the pilot did not recognize before the battery was drained, and the pilot became over-anxious to land, leading to a hard landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25532. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.