Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 141; Flight Crew Total 25500; Flight Crew Type 500
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
I departed on an IFR flight plan to a nearby uncontrolled airport. While at 3000 feet on a base leg vector for the GPS approach; I experience a total electrical failure and all navigation and communications equipment went off line except for the transponder.I set code 7700 in the transponder and began a descent back to VFR conditions. The communications radio automatically transferred to 121.5 (guard). I attempted to contact Approach on guard but was unsuccessful. I could hear Approach trying to contact me and I could hear another aircraft trying to contact me for relay. I was unable to communicate through this relay.Upon exiting the clouds at about 900 feet AGL; I could see the downtown area. Having a known geographical reference I elected to return to my departure airport. I continued to try to communicate with Approach Control on guard but was unsuccessful. I finally established brief communications with the Tower on guard and informed them of my situation and was given clearance for left traffic and landing. I was also advised of inbound traffic on the ILS to the right runway. That was the last two way communication to be successfully completed. I was asked to IDENT and when I did; the transponder failed too.Now on downwind; I initiated an attempt at normal gear extension but that was unsuccessful. I performed the alternate gear extension procedure. I could feel some drag on the aircraft and noticed a speed reduction; thus I was of the opinion that gear extension to some degree had occurred. I was unable to confirm any gear down indication due to the power failure and unable to communicate with Tower for any assistance. I continued on base leg and final and landed. I touched down on the main gear; unfortunately the nose gear collapsed upon touchdown.
PA32 pilot reports departing on a short IFR flight then losing electrical power. The reporter elects to descend to VMC conditions below 1000 feet AGL and return to the departure airport. The landing gear is pumped down manually and the nose gear collapses on touch down.