Cessna 210 Centurion / Turbo Centurion 210C; 210D
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5; Flight Crew Total 170; Flight Crew Type 22
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
Electrical system failure; suspected alternator or alternator belt resulted in loss of Number 1 Nav/Com and subsequent loss of all electric avionics and instruments. [I] was able to Squawk 7600 and confirm with ATC Center; but could only receive and not transmit due to Number 2 Nav/Com insufficient power to transmit. [I] did [a] 180 degree turn and proceeded back to ZZZ origination airport in VMC using handheld GPS for navigation. Contact via phone Approach and subsequently Tower and obtained clearance for a low approach to RWY XX at ZZZ to verify manual gear extension and then flew a successful no-flap landing. Spoke with Tower via phone after landing and confirmed no need for further action or reporting.
C210 pilot reported an electrical system failure led to a return to the departure airport.