PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 24; Flight Crew Total 255; Flight Crew Type 120
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
After an uneventful flight from to ZZZ immediately beforehand; I picked up passengers at ZZZ.On initial climb out; I lost alternator power. Digital display on panel indicated the problem; but I did not immediately recognize it for what it was. I knew something wasn't right with the electrical system; and suspected that I had lost the alternator but was unsure. Kept an eye on instrument and saw continued negative draw on battery; and voltage dropping; and determined I had a problem.I reported the problem to ATC; canceled my flight plan; and stated my intent to return immediately to ZZZ. I believe I was on with approach at the time. They asked if I wanted flight following; I said yes; and said I would likely lose my radios soon. By that time the panel was dimming significantly. ATC asked if I needed anything else; and I asked them to get the lights on at ZZZ; and they confirmed my request.As I was on with ATC; I was executing a 180 turn. Shortly after ATC confirmed my request for lights; I lost all power. I was able to use my phone; which has Foreflight + GPS; to navigate to ZZZ; which was a much easier option than a dark compass. The runway lights were on (I would learn later they were activated by a nearby aircraft at the request of ATC) and I was able to manually extend the gear per memorized procedure; and successfully landed at ZZZ.ATC had the local fire and police department waiting for me at ZZZ; for which I'm grateful; despite not needing them in the end.Things I did well:- Noticed the problem- Stayed calm- Took action and told ATC what I needed- Prepared plan B and C in my mind if plan A didn't work out (Plan B - Call police to get runway lights turned on; Plan C - Fly to towered airport nearby)- Had a backup nav system ready to go; and used itThings that I did not do well / will do differently:- Understand my digital display and electric system completely so that I recognize problems instantly- In the event of an alternator problem; immediately slow to gear extension speed and extend gear; and turn off all unnecessary electrical items- Practice with and carry a portable radio on all flights
Piper 32R pilot reported that during climb all electrical power was lost.