Cessna 210 Centurion / Turbo Centurion 210C; 210D
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 17; Flight Crew Total 3060; Flight Crew Type 223
Situational Awareness; Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter Gear Up Landing
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
Accompanied by a friend; I was flying short trip (25 minutes) to have air conditioning charged. Had recently installed a new battery and intended to have charging system (alternator; voltage regulator) inspected by mechanic before upcoming trip. Fires in the area made for very hazy conditions. About 15 miles out; while speaking to approach; after establishing communication; I began to experience electrical failure. Radios fluctuated with loud whining noises; electric gauges and lights in plane cycled off and on with increased frequency. I notified approach that I was experiencing an electrical problems and would still like to land. Through the static; they told me to look for a green tower light and to descend to pattern altitude; then ATC cleared me to land. My radios failed completely at that point. At the sign of electrical problems; I lowered the gear handle about 8-10 miles from the field and descended to pattern altitude 1;300 feet; flew a downwind and right base and turned final. Everything seemed normal under the circumstances. I was shocked to land gear up on the runway centerline. We came to a halt and exited the airplane without incident. I realized that I had failed to confirm that the gear was down and locked by looking out the window as the gear down light was inoperative.
C210 pilot experienced electrical failure after having a new battery installed. The landing gear is selected down 8-10 miles from the field but the landing gear indicator lights have failed. A gear up landing ensues.