Incident Overview
During cruise flight in instrument meteorological conditions, the aircraft experienced a total loss of electrical power. The pilot initially flew east, believing he was over water, then descended below the overcast. He subsequently returned to dry land and, as the ceiling continued to lower, elected to land on a road.
Landing Sequence
The airplane touched down on a highway at a speed described by the pilot as fast, with the flaps retracted. The pilot stated he landed to one side of the road to avoid electrical wires on the opposite side. During the landing roll, the right wheel dropped off the pavement, causing the airplane to veer into a ditch beside the road.
Post-Accident Findings
Investigation revealed that the alternator belt had separated, which resulted in the loss of electrical power. An ammeter installed on the right side of the instrument panel was found to be operable after the accident. The owner's manual before-landing checklist specifies that flaps should be lowered and a speed of 75-85 mph used during landing. The aircraft landed with flaps retracted and at an unspecified speed above that recommended.