Augusta, GA, USA
N90NM
Beech BE-90
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the left "generator light" on the annunciation panel illuminated. He attempted a reset but was unsuccessful. Shortly after that the right generator and battery failed. As the flight progressed, various instruments failed, including radio and navigational instruments. The pilot attempted to manually extend the landing gear but was unable to verify that the gear was down and locked. With the power out the landing gear position lights in the cockpit would not illuminate. Upon landing the nose gear remained extended, but both main gears collapsed. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found that both the left and right generators had failed with both generators exhibiting thermal damage. No further examination was performed.
On March 25, 2007, at 1400 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-90, N90NM, registered to J.A. Air LLC, and operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight, collapsed the left and right main landing gears during landing, at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (AGS), in Augusta, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan was filed. The airplane received substantial damage. The commercial pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The flight originated from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 25, 2007, about 1300. According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff from PDK, the left "generator light" on the annunciation panel illuminated. He attempted a reset but was unsuccessful. Shortly after that, the right generator and battery failed, possibly from a massive electrical short. As the flight progressed, various instruments failed, including radio and navigational instruments. The pilot diverted to AGS, and attempted to manually lower the landing gear into the down and locked position, but was only able to get the gear to partially extend. He had no way of verifying if the gear was down and locked. With the power out the landing gear position lights in the cockpit would not illuminate. The pilot warned the passengers that he was going to do a gear-up landing. Upon landing the nose gear stayed extended, but both main gears collapsed. The pilot stated that he pulled all the breakers, shut off the fuel, and feathered the props before touching down. On touchdown, the airplane slid about 3,000 feet before coming to a stop. He and the passengers egressed without injury. Damage to the airplane consisted of belly skin and the left wing rear spar. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found that the airplane had experienced a total electrical failure. Both the left and right generators had failed with both generators exhibiting thermal damage. No further examination was performed.
A total failure of the electrical system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the pilot's inability to ensure that the landing gear was down and locked.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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