On February 4, 1998, a Cessna 172M (registration N13711) operated by Gregg R. Gandy was involved in an aviation accident near Bulverde, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath following a total electrical failure resulting from an inoperative voltage regulator. Factors were the dark night conditions, the pilot's lack of experience in night flying, and the trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A total electrical system failure during a dark night approach to runway 34 led to the airplane striking trees. The pilot had limited night experience and the voltage regulator was found faulty.
Incident Details
During a dark night, the pilot was on approach for landing on runway 34 when a total electrical system failure occurred. The airplane subsequently struck trees. The pilot had planned to touch down just beyond the threshold lights to maximize the available runway length, as the landing was expected to be faster than normal due to the inability to extend flaps using electric power. The approach was flown with a lower glidepath and higher airspeed compared to a typical landing with flaps deployed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the electrical system revealed that the voltage regulator was not operating properly. The maintenance history for the electrical system components is unknown. The pilot had accumulated 4.4 hours of night flight time prior to the incident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Feb 1998 Cessna 172M accident near Bulverde, TX?
A total electrical system failure during a dark night approach to runway 34 led to the airplane striking trees. The pilot had limited night experience and the voltage regulator was found faulty.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Feb 1998 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N13711, operated by Gregg R. Gandy, at Bulverde, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath following a total electrical failure resulting from an inoperative voltage regulator. Factors were the dark night conditions, the pilot's lack of experience in night flying, and the trees.
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