What happened
After contacting the tower and receiving clearance for a left base entry, the pilot of the Cessna completed the before-landing checklist and lowered the landing gear. The pilot attempted to contact the tower to report entering the base leg but discovered the radio was not transmitting. During this time, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of electrical power. Because the green gear down lights failed to illuminate, the pilot could not visually confirm that the landing gear was down and locked.
The pilot performed a low pass over the runway until the main wheels made contact with the surface, after which a go-around was executed. Following the go-around, the pilot entered the pattern for what was intended to be a normal full-stop landing. However, immediately after touchdown, the landing gear retracted into the wheel wells, causing the aircraft to skid down the runway on its belly. There were no injuries reported in the accident.
The investigation
The investigation determined that the landing gear had not fully extended due to the loss of electrical power. While the aircraft's battery and alternator were found to be capable of normal operation, the voltage regulating system malfunctioned, which caused the battery to become almost fully discharged.
Findings
Investigators concluded that the pilot did not utilize the emergency gear extension system or sequence to verify the position and condition of the landing gear. Instead, the pilot relied on the sensation of the tires touching the runway during the initial low pass as evidence that the gear was down and locked.