PA-24 Comanche
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 280; Flight Crew Type 60
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft
My brother and I had lunch together and I asked him if he wanted to go look at the new wind turbines and the above-flood-stage Lake. He did so we maneuvered in the area of my home base for about 45 minutes and on approach to the airport in the pattern my gear down green light did not come on. I continued in the pattern trying to troubleshoot and get the gear down but did a go around and at the end of the runway on ascent I smelled an electrical burn for a few minutes and then the smell was gone. I moved out away from the airport and maneuvered checking circuit breakers and trying to see in my wing mirror if the gear was down. The best I could tell it was not fully locked in place so I made the decision to fly to a nearby [airport] where they have a tower and emergency equipment. As I neared the airport I contacted Approach and advised them of the emergency situation. As I continued I began to lose electrical to my Garmin 430; # 2 radio; fuel scan; and transponder intermittently. I was able to maintain pretty good communication with ATC and they gave me full cooperation and were very helpful. They directed me to the runway for a tower fly buy. They informed me that my gear was down but not completely. When I got to the end of the runway and started to ascend to pattern altitude; my green gear down light came on. I immediately informed ATC I was coming around to land. On my way around the pattern I changed my mind and on final informed them I was going back to my home airport to land. ATC asked if I was sure and I was. They also informed me that it looked like my gear was fully down. Shortly after departing the area all of my electrical came back and stayed steady. With Flight Following I continued for a safe smooth landing!
A PA-24-260 pilot reported his landing gear would not fully extend and an electrical odor developed. After troubleshooting and preparing for a diversionary landing; the gear became safe so he returned to his home airport for a normal landing.