Event
During a flight to his destination, the pilot experienced a total electrical failure. He decided to divert to an uncontrolled airport that had a lighted runway rather than his usual destination. The landing was uneventful. However, while taxiing to the ramp area, the pilot misjudged his position on the unlighted taxiway and departed the paved surface, entering a large drainage ditch.
Airport Conditions
The drainage ditch was not marked, and its presence was not mentioned in the airport remarks in the Airport Facility Directory or in any NOTAMS. The ditch was estimated to have a depth of approximately 3 to 4 feet below the surface of the runway, with an estimated slope in excess of 35 degrees.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the electrical system did not identify the specific problem, other than it was noted that one cell of the battery only charged to 50 percent. Examination of the taxiway found skid marks just prior to the point where the aircraft departed the paved surface.
Pilot Statement
The pilot told investigators that he was unfamiliar with the layout of this airport.