Incident Overview
Shortly after departing from Concord Airport, the pilot encountered an intermittent electrical failure, which soon progressed to a total electrical failure.
Electrical Failure and Landing Gear Extension
During the intermittent phase of the electrical failure, the pilot electronically extended the landing gear. While the gear was being extended, the aircraft suffered a total electrical failure.
Landing and Collapse
The pilot returned to Concord Airport and executed a landing. On touchdown, the main landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Actions
After the aircraft came to a stop, the pilot switched off all electrical switches, including the battery and master switch. The pilot later stated that he believed the landing gear had extended and locked before the total electrical failure, and he was unable to check the landing gear warning lights to confirm that the gear was down and locked. According to the pilot, he did not follow the appropriate checklist or use the handcrank to ascertain that the landing gear was fully extended and locked.