Accident Details
On November 3, 2022, at approximately 1855 eastern standard time, a Beech 95-B55 airplane, registration N101DC, was substantially damaged in an accident at Athens, Georgia. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he was returning to Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU), Greenville, South Carolina, in dusk conditions when the accident occurred. While at 7,000 ft msl in cruise flight, he noticed electrical problems: some navigation system displays were not functioning, he heard ATC only intermittently, and the transponder was not operating normally. He contacted Atlanta Approach and was informed that Athens Ben Epps Airport (AHN) was 11 miles away. He set up for an approach to runway 27. He then perceived that his engines were losing power and required full throttle to maintain a safe airspeed. Unable to read engine instruments due to darkness, he assumed a loss of power based on his ForeFlight display. He attempted to lower the landing gear using the manual extension handcrank but had difficulty accessing and moving it. The airplane landed on runway 27 and skidded to a stop with the landing gear retracted.
Wreckage Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and noted scraped lower fuselage skin with exposed damage to the lower fuselage structure. All four propeller tips were bent aft from runway contact. On May 1, 2023, the wreckage was examined under NTSB direction. The carpet surrounding the manual gear extension handcrank had been removed; recovery personnel reported that the handcrank operated normally when used during recovery.
The aircraft battery was depleted. After connecting a charger, the right engine started on the first attempt and was run up to 2,100 rpm (limited due to propeller tip damage). When the right alternator switch was turned on, the load meter showed no current load and the alternator light illuminated. The left engine started on the second attempt and was run similarly; its alternator light also illuminated with no load. Troubleshooting revealed the left alternator 2-amp fuse was blown. After replacing it, the left alternator operated normally. Examination of the right alternator found the field wire separated from the connection; after reattachment, it operated normally.
Maintenance Issues
The pilot stated that both alternator lights in the cockpit had been illuminated continuously since October 25, 2022 (about 10 days before the accident). Additionally, the load meters were “jumping” and unreliable during the three days prior. When he brought these electrical issues to his supervisor and maintenance personnel, he was told to keep flying the airplane, “no matter what, otherwise they would lose the contract,” and that “there was nothing wrong with it.” The airplane was being used to transport blood samples for COVID-19 testing, and the pilot reported management pressure to continue flying regardless.
A review of aircraft logbooks revealed no recent entries for alternator or related electrical system maintenance or troubleshooting.