Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 80; Flight Crew Type 80
Situational Awareness; Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
I was flying to Texas to pick up a plane with low compression to bring it back for warranty work. I had my alternator fail about half way down. When we picked up the plane; I gave the other pilot my GPS and maps because he had a working radio and I was going to follow him. I lost him in smoke from a fire and never made visual contact with him after that. I flew lost with no radios or navigational tools. I was running out of fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing. I squawked 7700 and then 7600 and received the green light to land. I landed on a closed runway by mistake. I was happy to be on the ground. I was met by emergency personnel and they helped get fuel and charged my battery and was able to get a sectional map to finish my trip.
C172 pilot reports an alternator failure enroute to pick up another aircraft. After landing it is decided that the other pilot will fly the good plane and take the GPS and charts and the reporter will follow visually. Enroute; the lead aircraft is lost sight of due to smoke and not sighted again. Lost and low on fuel; the reporter lands at a suitable airport after receiving a green light from the Tower.