PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 96; Flight Crew Total 1009; Flight Crew Type 122
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
Complete loss of electrical power occurred when the landing gear was retracted after takeoff. All attempts to restore electrical power by recycling master switches and resetting circuit breakers failed. Being without communication or radio navigation ability; I decided to circle on the NE side of the airport and wait for light gun signals to land. Due to the position of the control tower and the airport beacon; I was unable to see the light gun signals because of the glare from the beacon. I was able to establish communication with the control tower by using my cell phone to get a relay through 911; and eventually a direct phone line to the tower. I extended the landing gear manually; but did not have a way to verify that the gear was down and locked; so I coordinated with the control tower for a low approach over the runway to get a visual confirmation that the gear was extended. After confirming the landing gear was extended; I decided to land. I knew the landing gear was extended; but I had no way to verify that it was locked in position; so I coordinated with the control tower to land with the engine turned off so that in case the landing gear collapsed I would not cause extra damage. I also coordinated with the control tower to stop on the runway to verify the landing gear was locked before trying to turn the airplane. The airplane was then towed off the runway.
PA32 pilot reported loss of all electrical power shortly after takeoff.