Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a cruise flight discovered that the radios and fuel gauges were inoperative. After approximately one hour of flight with full fuel tanks, the pilot decided to make a precautionary landing at an airport 10 miles short of the intended destination.
Gear Indication and Witness Accounts
The pilot reported lowering the landing gear and receiving what he believed was a safe gear indication. However, two witnesses on the ground observed the airplane over the runway with the main landing gear partially extended—out of the wheel wells but not fully down and locked. Before they could notify the pilot via radio, the airplane touched down.
Touchdown and Collapse
Upon touchdown, the main gear collapsed, and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway.
Pilot Statement and Electrical Examination
In a written statement, the pilot noted that during the flight he did not notice the low voltage light on the ammeter. A post-incident examination of the airplane revealed a battery voltage of 19.5 volts, which immediately dropped to 9 volts when the master switch was turned on. The gear warning horn operated normally when the throttle was retarded. The low voltage light was found to be functional but difficult to see without shielding it from sunlight. After charging the battery and starting the engine, the ammeter indicated a positive charge, confirming that the alternator was operating.