Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 28; Flight Crew Total 234; Flight Crew Type 189
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Airport; Human Factors
I was maneuvering between 3;500 and 4;500 FT approximately 12 miles east of [a Tower controlled airport that bordered a major metropolitan area] when I experienced a complete electrical failure. I proceeded to [a nearby uncontrolled airport] and made a total of six attempts to land; all of which resulted in go arounds due to the flaps being inoperative. I made the determination that I would be unable to land safely at [the uncontrolled airport]; and I climbed to an altitude of 3;000 FT and while making a box pattern around [the uncontrolled airport] I turned on my cell phone and looked up a phone number for [the original destination] Tower. I called that number and reached a voicemail box. I then called my flight school and asked them for a phone number; and they provided the phone number for [a different local] Tower. I called that number and reached a Controller. I informed him of my situation and my intent to declare an emergency and proceed to [the original destination airport]. He instructed me to proceed to [the original destination airport] at that time and told me he would attempt to coordinate with [that] Tower. I flew south to [the original destination airport]; overflew the airport midfield at 1;800 FT; made a descending left turn; and entered left traffic on a 45 degree angle to the downwind. I flew a normal pattern; observed a green light gun signal while on final; and landed without further incident. Given that cell phones can provide an alternative to radio communications in emergency situations; Air Traffic Control facilities' telephone systems should offer an option to connect to a Controller if an emergency exists.
The pilot of a C172 experienced a total electrical failure while operating near a Tower controlled airport. He elected to divert to a nearby uncontrolled airport; but was unable to conduct a landing without the use of flaps. While circling the area; he was able to contact another local Tower on his cellphone; who facilitated communication on his behalf. He returned to the original Tower controlled airport where he received a light gun signal and landed.