Incident Overview
A pilot departed Bowling Green, Ohio, with his wife and another passenger, bound for Key West, Florida. During the journey, the aircraft experienced several complete electrical system failures. While over Cape Canaveral, Florida, an electrical failure prompted one of the passengers to assist the pilot in manually lowering the landing gear.
Maintenance and Diversions
On one diversion, the aircraft's battery was charged and replaced. During another, the right alternator and a broken wire from the left alternator were replaced. Prior to reaching Key West, the passenger who had helped manually lower the landing gear returned to Ohio by car.
Final Approach and Landing
While en route to the final destination, 14 miles north of Key West, the aircraft experienced another electrical system failure. The pilot attempted to manually lower the landing gear but lacked enough strength to move it into the down and locked position. Upon touchdown on runway 9, the landing gear collapsed.