Incident Overview
A pilot experienced an intermittent loss of electrical power shortly after takeoff and decided to return to the departure airport. During the approach, the pilot lowered the landing gear using the electrical system and observed the down-and-locked light illuminate. Immediately afterward, a complete loss of electrical power occurred. The pilot's attempts to restore electrical power were unsuccessful.
Findings
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the nose and right main landing gear were found in the partially extended position after the aircraft landed. During a post-accident examination, investigators were unable to duplicate the total loss of electrical power. However, the field coil of the left voltage regulator emitted a burned odor, and the left generator circuit breaker was found in the tripped position.
Pilot's Handbook Guidance
The pilot's operating handbook specifies that in unusual operating conditions, the landing gear handcrank can be used to manually lower the gear if the electrical system fails or for other reasons. The aircraft's emergency landing gear extension procedure involves a manual handcrank, which was not used in this case.
Investigation Status
The investigation continues to analyze the electrical system components. The burned odor in the voltage regulator and the tripped circuit breaker suggest a possible electrical fault, but a definitive cause of the total power loss has not been determined.