Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 32; Flight Crew Total 142; Flight Crew Type 142
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I was on an active IFR flight plan in VMC conditions flying level at 5;000 feet. All check lists were completed in order with the FBO checklists. My electric attitude indicator failed and displayed a red x in its place. I began to find the checklist to troubleshoot the failure and when I looked up I found all the electronic instruments on the display were replaced by red x's. I went to report the electric failures to ZZZ Center but when I pressed the microphone button the power to my radios began to fail along with my transponder. I relayed a message over the radios just in case center could still hear me. Over the next few moment's communications to and from the aircraft I was soloing for my commercial training were broken. My display completely went dark and that is when I told ATC that I [had] complete electrical failure and was going to turn back to ZZZ. I used my iPad to help in navigating back to the airport. Once I was turned back towards ZZZ; I used my cellphone to call the airport and inform them of the situation and my decision to return. Center had already contacted the airport and the Dispatchers of FBO [and] cleared the area for my return to the airport. I was able to reach the airport and flew a visual approach with a straight in landing. Upon shut down I was met at the aircraft by primary flight instructor who had similar problems with the same aircraft just a week prior. The aircraft has been grounded by the Dispatchers and will be heading to maintenance before it can be flown again.
PA-28 pilot reported complete electrical failure during cruise resulting in a return to departure airport.