Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 800; Flight Crew Type 300
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Smelled something burning and alert sounded with low voltage annuciator. Took action by opening window; turning off non-essential electrical and ready to reach for fire estinguisher. Communicated with ATC letting them know about the burning smell and losing battery power. I asked for a climb and direct to ZZZ. Did not officially request priority handling but ATC asked if they should roll out the trucks. Not knowing the full nature of the issue I responded that it was probably a safe precaution in case a fire started. Landed safely with no issues. Postflight revealed that the alternator had seized and the burning smell was the melting of the alternator belt.
Pilot reported alternator failure that resulted in a precautionary landing.