BE55 pilot reported both alternators failed and returned to the departure airport.

Date: 2024-10 · Aircraft: Baron 55/Cochise · Phase: approach

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical

Synopsis

BE55 pilot reported both alternators failed and returned to the departure airport.

Narrative

I was flying my parents and two family friends to ZZZ1 for a personal vacation. As I departed ZZZ; about 9-10 min; in the air; I had an indication I lost both of my alternators. I was in contact with ZZZ1 Approach XXX.X. One of my pax had forgotten their laptop; so I went ahead and requested to turn back to ZZZ anyway. As I was working the problem with my POH; to try and get my alternators back online or see what was causing it; I asked ZZZ1 Approach to divert back to ZZZ. I had plenty of battery power but could not get the alternators to reset. Per the POH I was instructed to reduce electrical load and safely operate the aircraft. I was 9 minutes from ZZZ with battery power left. As I came in close to the airport I cancelled IFR as the field was in sight and the aircraft felt to be in good condition with plenty of battery; so I did not feel it was an emergency at that point. I corresponded with local traffic my position.I crossed midfield for the left downwind XX. As I did I put the gear down and the electrical load did not allow me to get the gear all the way down. Position was unknown. At which point I continued straight on the downwind. I immediately called guard 121.5. I alerted them I had lost my alternators and had to do an alternate gear extension. They instructed me to call ZZZ Approach XXX.XX. I advised ZZZ Approach; at which point I lost my navigation and comms. Unsure if they could hear my calls. I was in sight of the airport the entire time and could hear and ZZZ traffic; but not transmit. I got the gear extended and or at least the full procedure per the POH; not sure of it's position; but felt it was down and locked. I had to circle 3 time south of the field XX to let traffic clear. I made my final turn towards the field and safely landed the aircraft. I was met by local airport personnel to ensure I was ok and able to let ZZZ know we were on the ground safely. No person were harmed and managed to get the airplane on the ground safely.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.