Casualties unknown

Electrical Power Loss and Alternator Connection Issues Precede Ground Collision (N3074C)

Scott City, KS, US

On October 25, 1992, a Beech K35 (registration N3074C) operated by Crotts Aircraft Service, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Scott City, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE ALTERNATOR AND THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT DESCENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After midnight departure on a business trip leg, a pilot reported electrical power loss after gear retraction during climb. Using a flashlight and mobile phone, he reached the destination area, manually extended the gear, and performed a low pass for visual inspection. The airplane collided with terrain 2.5 miles north of the field. Two alternator connections were found loose or broken.

Event Overview

A pilot flying the last leg of a business trip departed shortly after midnight. Shortly after takeoff, during the climb and following the retraction of the landing gear, the pilot reported a loss of electrical power. Without cockpit lighting, he used a flashlight for illumination and a mobile telephone to contact someone at the destination.

Flight Details

Nearing the destination airport, the pilot manually extended the landing gear. He then descended to fly over the field for a visual check of the gear's status. After the low pass, he continued troubleshooting the electrical issue. While still some distance from the field, the airplane collided with the ground approximately 2.5 miles north of the airport.

Post-Accident Findings

Examination of the aircraft after the accident revealed that two connections for the alternator were either loose or broken. No other anomalies were reported in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15840. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.