What happened
The pilot was operating the aircraft under night visual flight rules when a complete failure of the electrical system occurred. Despite having sufficient fuel to continue to the intended destination airport, the pilot made the decision to conduct a precautionary landing in a remote open field due to the lack of lighting and navigation aids provided by the electrical system. The aircraft landed without landing lights, which are typically essential for safe night operations.
During the rollout phase on the ground, the airplane struck a berm located within the field. This impact resulted in damage to the aircraft structure. No injuries were reported among the occupants during this incident.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the electrical system of the aircraft to determine the root cause of the power loss. The examination revealed that the voltage regulator had failed. This component is critical for maintaining proper electrical output and distribution within the aircraft's systems.
Findings
The failure of the voltage regulator led to a total loss of electrical power during flight. The pilot's decision to land in an unprepared area, while prudent given the circumstances, introduced new risks associated with night landing without auxiliary lighting. The collision with the berm during rollout contributed to the extent of the damage sustained by the aircraft.