Bonanza 35
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 38; Flight Crew Total 2860; Flight Crew Type 520
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Landing Without Clearance
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft; Human Factors
I was enroute to the airport for lunch. I contacted the Control Tower about 8 miles out. After contact at about 5 miles out; I tried to extend the landing gear and found I had a severe electrical failure and the gear would not extend. It also caused the radios to turn off for lack of voltage. I turned south to stay out of the airport's heavy traffic and started to extend the landing gear manually. I was still unable to communicate with the Tower. When the landing gear was down and indicated locked by the number of turns on the manual gear extension; I saw to my left a runway that had no visual traffic. I saw no light signal from the Tower; and landed as short as possible to exit at the first turnoff to the taxiway. While taxiing into the Tower parking area; I was able to hear Tower communication tell me I had landed on the wrong runway. I again tried to contact the Tower but was unable. I was given a note and telephone number to call the Tower. I called the Tower and explained my problem to the Controller. I told him I put the plane on the nearest runway because of total electrical failure. He told me he just needed a reason for this incident and seemed satisfied with my explanation. After parking the plane; I inspected the engine compartment and found that the alternator belt had come off its pulleys. I replaced the belt and started the engine to recharge the battery. After the battery charged; I returned to my home airport with no further incident.
BE35 pilot experiences a total electrical failure when the landing gear is extended for landing. The gear is extended manually and a landing ensues without communicating with the Tower.