Incident Overview
Shortly after departure, the pilot experienced an electrical problem that escalated to a complete loss of electrical power. While maneuvering to return to the departure airport, the pilot selected the landing gear to the "DOWN" position and set "FULL" flaps. The airplane touched down on runway 05 with the landing gear partially extended, approximately 3,700 feet down the 5,028-foot-long runway. It overran the runway end by about 100 feet.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane confirmed flight control continuity to all control surfaces, and a landing gear operational check revealed no anomalies. An engine run was performed, during which the engine functioned normally and engine control continuity was confirmed.
Electrical System Details
The electrical master switch was a split rocker type: the left side controlled the alternator, and the right side controlled the battery. With the engine operating, the alternator was turned off; it quit charging, and the battery picked up the load. When the alternator was turned back on, it resumed charging and picked up the load. The alternator is required to be in the "ON" position during normal operations. Winds at the time were reported as 270 degrees at 20 knots.