A C182 Pilot reported he had to jump start the aircraft because of a low battery; which during taxi out could not carry the electrical load; causing loss of lights and radios. The Pilot taxied back to the ramp.

Date: 2011-09 · Aircraft: Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG · Phase: taxi

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|ground-event-encounter-other-unknown

Synopsis

A C182 Pilot reported he had to jump start the aircraft because of a low battery; which during taxi out could not carry the electrical load; causing loss of lights and radios. The Pilot taxied back to the ramp.

Narrative

I received a jump start to start my aircraft and once all the preflight checks were accomplished I received the ATIS information and contacted Tower which at the time was conducting ground operations. I received clearance [to taxi to the] runway. During the run up; I was following the checklist through every step for the Cessna 182T. Once instructed by the checklist to switch off the alternator side of the master switch all of the power from the airplane was directed from the battery which had not been taking an increasing charge during taxi thus all interior and exterior equipment lost power. I was able to switch the alternator back on in time to keep the engine running but all other equipment including the transponder; lights; and radios were inoperable. At this point I made the decision to taxi back with utmost caution constantly watching Tower for possible light signals which [were] never shown. On the taxiway I had to sidestep for oncoming traffic taxiing south. At this point I brought the aircraft to a stop and brought the engine down to near idle as I attempted to contact Tower several times via my mobile phone. I was never able to contact Tower but I attempted three times each for approximately fifteen to twenty-five rings. I as well contacted and talked to [an FBO] and asked them to notify tower to give me light signals but they could only assist me by providing me with the telephone number I had previously called. At this point I made the decision to continue to head into the ramp area back towards parking.

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