Accident Sequence
After making contact with the tower and receiving clearance for a left base entry, the pilot completed the before-landing check and lowered the landing gear. He then attempted to call the tower to report entering the base leg but realized his radio was not transmitting. The aircraft subsequently experienced a complete loss of electrical power. Unable to confirm the gear was down and locked because the green Gear Down lights could not illuminate, the pilot flew low over the runway until he felt the main wheels touch the surface, then executed a go-around.
Following the go-around, the pilot entered the pattern and performed what he believed would be a normal full-stop landing. However, just after touchdown, the landing gear folded back into the wheel wells, causing the aircraft to skid down the runway on its belly.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident investigation determined that the landing gear had not fully extended because of the loss of electrical power. Additionally, although the aircraft's battery and alternator were capable of normal operation, the voltage regulating system had malfunctioned, allowing the battery to become almost fully discharged. The pilot did not use the emergency gear extension system or sequence to verify the position and condition of the landing gear, instead relying solely on the sensation of the tires touching the runway during the low pass to assume the gear was down and locked.