What happened
While cruising in VFR conditions, the aircraft lost radio contact with Air Traffic Control Center. In response, the pilot descended and returned to GNV. The pilot reported being unable to fully extend and lock the landing gear using either normal or emergency methods due to a loss of electrical power.
An approach was conducted with the main gear down and the nose gear in an undetermined position. During the short final approach, the pilot realized the aircraft would fall short of the runway and attempted to apply additional power; however, the engine did not respond. This resulted in a hard landing on the overrun section of the runway. The impact drove the main gear into the spar, causing a partial collapse of the landing gear and major damage to the aircraft. The pilot was not injured.
Two witnesses, both flight instructors, observed that during short final, they heard two power applications prior to impact. They noted that the aircraft had developed a high nose attitude and a high sink rate that was not arrested before ground impact.
The investigation
Maintenance personnel examined the alternator and found that the brushes were completely burned out. FAA personnel later conducted a test run of the engine, which functioned correctly.