Incident Overview
A pilot was en route to his home base when the aircraft's electrical system malfunctioned. Due to wind gust conditions at his home base, the pilot elected to divert to a second airport. While on approach to the second airport, the electrical system became more erratic. The digital exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauge illuminated all warning lights and indicated extreme engine temperatures exceeding 1,650 degrees. Shortly thereafter, the electrical system failed completely.
Attempted Landing Gear and Flap Extension
Following the electrical failure, the pilot immediately attempted to lower the flaps and landing gear. The flaps partially lowered, but the landing gear did not extend. The pilot hand-cranked the landing gear halfway down. Due to severe turbulence, he asked a passenger to assist with the cranking while he flew the airplane. When the passenger finished, the pilot verified that the landing gear crank had stopped turning. Concerned about the possible risk of an engine fire, the pilot elected not to perform a fly-by to visually confirm that the landing gear was extended.
Landing and Aftermath
During the landing attempt on runway 26, the pilot felt both propellers strike the runway. He reduced power to both engines, and the airplane settled onto the runway. The aircraft slid approximately 1,000 feet before coming to a stop on the grass just off the right side of the runway. The pilot later realized that the passenger had inadvertently raised the landing gear, resulting in an unintentional gear-retracted landing. Subsequent inspection revealed that several fractured propeller pieces had impacted the fuselage, causing substantial damage to multiple fuselage bulkheads.
Examination
An examination of the aircraft's electrical system was conducted, which included a two-hour ferry flight. The examination found no anomalies in the electrical system.