History of the Flight
On 11 March 2007, at approximately 08:00 UTC, a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration EC-EZY, operated by Aeromadrid, was preparing for its first flight of the day at Cuatro Vientos Airport (Madrid). The crew attempted to start the engine using the aircraft's own starter system and battery without success, then started it with an external battery.
At 08:17 UTC, the aircraft departed on a local VFR training flight with an instructor and a student on board. Meteorological conditions were CAVOK, light winds, and a temperature of 7 °C. The student was the pilot flying. Takeoff was conducted on runway 28.
Before reaching point W on the visual approach chart, the crew noticed a loss of all radio communications and that all flight instruments had stopped working. They deduced a complete electrical failure and decided to return to the airport. The instructor took over as pilot flying, while the student assumed PNF duties. They initiated a communications failure traffic procedure, departing the normal circuit and flying south of the control tower at an altitude below 328 ft above the field.
Another aircraft in the circuit observed the maneuver and informed tower (TWR) that the aircraft was proceeding from point W at 2,500 ft due to an unusual circumstance. TWR's attempts to communicate by radio went unanswered. When visual contact was established, controllers noted the aircraft joining the failed communications circuit with the landing gear up. The aircraft circled the circuit several times.
TWR used flashing green lights to signal clearance to join the pattern and land. The pilot interpreted the flashing green (as opposed to steady) as a warning that the gear was not properly configured for landing. He then headed to the approach zone for runway 10, as TWR had changed the runway in use after takeoff. After several attempts to lower the gear, realizing it had not lowered, the aircraft landed on its belly at 08:32 and came to a stop in the middle of the runway. Emergency personnel were already notified.
The crew was uninjured and evacuated the aircraft under their own power. There was no fire. Damage was mainly to the propeller and the underside of the fuselage. The runway was closed for one and a half hours while the aircraft was removed.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA-28RT-201T is an advanced single-engine training aircraft with retractable landing gear. Its electrical system includes a 12-V Gill G-35 battery (23 A-h nominal capacity) and an engine-driven 60A alternator. The alternator is coupled to the engine via a slip clutch. The landing gear system is hydraulic, with a backup automatic extension system and an emergency gravity drop. A backup lever between the seats arms, emergency lowers, or overrides the automatic system. Service Bulletin 866A had been implemented on the accident aircraft, requiring removal or deactivation of the automatic gear extender; Part II (operating requirements) had been complied with, though the date was not given.
The aircraft had a total of 7,797 flight hours. The engine was a Teledyne Continental TSIO 360 FB, installed new at 6,539 aircraft hours.
Personnel Information
The pilot-in-command and instructor, aged 63, held a commercial pilot license (CPL(A)) with over 28,000 total flight hours, including approximately 50 hours on type and 80 hours in the last 90 days. He had rested 15 hours prior to the flight. The student was completing the final hours of an integrated CPL(A) course.
Damage to Aircraft
The lower fuselage suffered abrasion damage. The propeller, rotating at low speed when it contacted the ground, was damaged, prompting an engine inspection.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the electrical failure. No analysis or causal factors were stated in the report.