Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5.2; Flight Crew Total 73.4; Flight Crew Type 55.9
Communication Breakdown; Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Landing Without Clearance
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Human Factors; Aircraft
In my way to home at night and 15 NM East from [a large controlled airport] and at 5;500 FT I lost all my radios equipments due to a lost of electrical power; (an issue with the alternator failure to charge the battery later addressed and corrected); which result in loosing GPS;Transponder; and all outside lights as well.So I deviated to [the large controlled] airport; required me to land with no lights and no radio communication; due to the issue above mentioned; after circled the airport; followed traffic and looked for light signal from Tower. And since I had no radio I figured I wouldn't be able to turn runway lights at any uncontrolled airport; this was my best choice.
A low time C-172 pilot suffered a total electrical failure at night; thus losing all lighting and radio communication capability. The pilot opted to land at a nearby; moderate sized; controlled/lighted airport.