PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 49; Flight Crew Total 2433; Flight Crew Type 2190
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
In cruise at 8;000 feet in IMC from ZZZ1 to ZZZ; about 40 minutes out from ZZZ; my avionics master switch failed; and fused in the off position. Loss of autopilot; radios; intercom; GPS/NAV; transponder; ADS-B; iPad; and music. Stupid me; my handheld radio was in the baggage compartment.I began hand-flying and held 8;000 feet and a rough heading of 210; per my IFR clearance. I got my iPhone out and loaded ZZZ into ForeFlight and began navigation with it. I was able to text priority handling to my pilot friend at ZZZ; and he called ZZZ Tower. ZZZ approach coordinated with ZZZ approach; and they kept my path cleared. Airport conditions were relayed via text.I made position reports as able; and about 30 miles out loaded the GPS Runway XX approach to ZZZ and began my descent. I broke out about 1;300 feet AGL; 3 miles from airport. I then entered a left downwind for Runway YY; received a green light from Tower while on left base; rocked my wings; and landed.XX years or less ago; I would have been totally screwed and this could have been a fatal accident. The iPhone saved our lives! I was able to stay calm; fly the airplane; and navigate; knowing I would have a safe outcome thanks to my cell phone!
PA-28 pilot reported loss of avionics power and was forced to use a cell phone to text a friend at destination airport. The friend relayed pilot's intentions to ATC and was able to land at destination.