Turbo Commander 690 Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 9060; Flight Crew Type 110
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
During climbout we encountered light rime icing and I requested the deicing boot to be cycled. Later while we were in cruise pilot not flying (PNF) observed that the right deicing boot had not fully deflated. The boots were then re-inflated and they still would not completely deflate. Over the next few minutes I tried several times; using the manual mode; to make sure the regulated pressure gage was indicating within the green zone. A short time later the PNF noticed the left side artificial horizon was inop and stated that the suction gauge was indicating zero. We agreed the best course of action was to return to our departure airport. There were numerous failed attempts to reach Center and the FSS on both COMMs; after we had received our return clearance. At that time we noticed an air carrier flight seemed to be having a lot of trouble with Center as well during their climb out of our destination. The PNF was able to communicate with them and they relayed approach clearances to us from ATC. During descent the checklist was completed and I requested all deicing to be turned on. Before getting to the SSR VOR the radio trouble with ATC had ceased.A short time later the electrical system flickered; however it did not interrupt the function of the Garmin GPS nor the radios. We reported over a prominent landmark we were cleared to land Runway X. Before reaching the FAF we became VMC and the PNF called out the runway in sight. I looked up to see surrounding terrain and called for full flaps. Shortly thereafter there was a complete electrical failure; all indicator lights; the MFD and PFD; as well as the GPS and headsets were inoperative. I immediately looked outside and continued the visual approach to Runway X. About 5 seconds later the power came back on and we reconfirmed a clearance to land. From that point on the power neither flickered nor fail till shut down.After shutdown we notified Dispatch and System Maintenance and informed them of all that had happened and wrote up three maintenance squawks.
A Turbo Commander crew encountered difficulties with ATC communications; leading edge deicing boots; and their electrical system.