Aircraft Crash Following Electrical Failure in IMC

Casualties unknown • Suches, GA, US

A private pilot experienced a total electrical failure while flying in instrument meteorological conditions, leading to an uncontrolled descent and terrain impact.

What happened

Approximately 30 minutes into his flight, the pilot was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at 7,000 feet MSL when he reported a complete electrical failure. Following the loss of electrical power, the pilot initiated lost communication procedures and attempted to maintain his previously assigned heading, airspeed, and altitude. The pilot noted that there were no issues with the engines, the pitot-static system, or the vacuum-powered flight instruments.

During the flight, the aircraft descended from 7,000 feet MSL to the crash site elevation of approximately 3,100 feet MSL. The pilot reported that the aircraft struck tree limbs but had no memory of the sequence of events following the impact with the trees until the aircraft crashed onto the terrain. There were no reported injuries to the pilot. While a loss of 3,900 feet of altitude occurred prior to the crash, the cause for this descent could not be explained by the pilot, and no lightning strike was reported.

Probable cause

The cause of the electrical failure was not determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-03-01 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Suches, GA?

A private pilot experienced a total electrical failure while flying in instrument meteorological conditions, leading to an uncontrolled descent and terrain impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-03-01 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6546Y, operated by Krug, Kurt E., at Suches, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the electrical failure was not determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16542. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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