Listening to That Inner Pilot Voice

Consider the lesson learned when it comes to ignoring the warning sign of an impending failure.

Robert Kail

Friday, September 20, 2024 at 08:45 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

When the little pilot voice says, 'all is not right here,' pause to evaluate what’s going on. [Image: Joel Kimmel]

Key Takeaways:

A pilot experienced a total electrical failure during an IFR flight home at sunset, resulting in the loss of radios, transponder, lights, and flaps.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the pilot successfully performed a no-flap, NORDO landing in the dark at KLAF, relying on prior training, ATC light gun signals, and Chicago Center's radar tracking.
The incident underscored the critical importance of paying attention to subtle instrument anomalies, engaging in regular recurrent training, and leveraging ATC as a vital resource during emergencies.
The pilot also learned the value of heeding internal warnings when something feels amiss and keeping essential items like spare glasses accessible.

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My story begins with two preliminary events, each with a clue as to the nature of the main event.

First, in April 1996, I had spent an hour in recurrent training in my Skyhawk. We had done some air work, including steep turns and slow flight, as well as some partial panel flying. As we returned to the Purdue University Airport (KLAF), my instructor suggested a no-flap landing, something I had not practiced since primary training nearly 10 years previously. It went well, and I was reminded that no-flap landings are faster and with a more nose-high attitude.