Cessna 310/T310C
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 114.8; Flight Crew Total 1143; Flight Crew Type 6.6
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
After a successful engine runup; radio check; and confirmation that the discrete transponder code was entered and set to Mode C operation the aircraft was taxied onto runway .  After bringing the throttles to ~65% power to ensure proper function; the brakes were release and full throttle was applied.  After an uneventful takeoff run the aircraft was rotated and climb began.  When no runway was left for landing; and a safe altitude was reached; the gear selector handle was placed in the up/retract position.  At this time; the gear motor was heard briefly.  After a period of time longer than the normal gear retraction period; a green gear down light was observed; along with a nose gear extended visually in the mirror on the left nacelle.  When pushing the PTT transmit button on the pilot-side yoke the avionics stack browned out.  Additionally; the gear indication lights now no longer illuminated to confirm gear down or gear unsafe.  Bulb swaps; and testing confirmed that the lights were no longer powered.  Troubleshooting ensued while the aircraft remained in the traffic pattern; after determination that all circuit breakers were in their closed positions; it was determined that either an alternator or regulator failure had occurred.  Load shedding ensued to minimize draw on the batteries.  The transponder was briefly set to 7700; and then 7600.  Switching the transponder switch to TEST momentarily resulted in no positive indication of function.  With all electronics and radios then placed in the OFF position; excluding 1 radio; the PTT on the pilot's side was pressed which resulted in the 'T' transmit light on the KX-155 radio illuminating; a radio check with UNICOM was unsuccessful - although reception of other traffic/UNICOM on the radio was successful.  A radio call to 121.5; and Approach was unsuccessful as with the call to UNICOM.  Using CRM the passenger was instructed to contact UNICOM by use of their personal cell phone.  After discussing the situation; airport management was asked to confirm the landing gear was down.  After confirmation that gear was down; landing approach ensued on the next iteration of the traffic pattern.  On the first approach to landing; when abeam the touchdown zone on the downwind leg; when flaps were selected down; the avionics stack again browned out until the flap lever was released.  An uneventful go-around was completed; and an approach to landing with no flaps was completed.  A minimum sink approach was accomplished in the event the landing gear was not locked; and a prolonged rollout was completed to ensure minimal loads on the landing gear.  An idle taxi off the runway to the tie-down spot was completed.  Upon securing the cockpit and disembarking the aircraft; Approach was contacted by telephone to discuss the events.  Troubleshooting and repair of the aircraft's electrical system is on-going.  Preliminary analysis showed weak batteries; and voltage regulators with overcurrent protection tripped.
C310 pilot discovers that his aircraft has lost all electrical power when the gear will not retract after takeoff. Unicom is contacted via cell phone and the first approach results in a go-around when the flaps cannot be extended. The second approach is planned with no flaps and ends successfully.