Incident Overview
A pilot flying from Evansville, Indiana, to Wilmington, Ohio, experienced an electrical issue during climb out when the alternator circuit breaker popped. The pilot reset the breaker, but approximately twenty minutes later, smoke was observed curling from under the instrument panel. Louisville Approach provided radar vectors to Salem, Indiana.
Approach and Landing Attempt
The pilot activated the runway lights but did not turn on the airplane's landing lights. Attempts to lower the flaps were unsuccessful. The pilot reported believing he was high enough, but the airplane descended too low and struck trees.
Accident Sequence
The airplane came to rest about 1,000 feet east of the airport. Evidence indicated that the left wing had impacted a tree, causing the airplane to spin around. Both propeller blades exhibited leading edge and chordwise scratching.
Examination
An examination of the airplane's electrical system was conducted, but the reason for the electrical malfunction was not determined.