The air was cool and the skies clear as my wife and I flew the return trip from Albuquerque to our home in California at 10,500 feet. Approaching Flagstaff, I noticed a cracking and popping sound coming through my primary radio. It was a new GPS/Comm unit and I wondered what could be interfering. It was annoying, but wasn’t really a big deal—or so I thought. Soon, I called Albuquerque Center but received no reply. I tried several times but was unable to establish contact. My only explanation was the mountainous terrain.
This artist’s rendering of an eVTOL has multiblade, ducted-fan thrusters on its wings. Dave Brenner/University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability
Key Takeaways:
A pilot initially dismissed radio static, but escalating issues like lost communication and an attitude indicator fault led to the discovery of a complete electrical failure due to a broken alternator lead.
Operating solely on battery power, the pilot wisely shed non-essential loads, utilized a reliable older radio to contact ATC, and successfully diverted for an emergency landing with ATC's support.
The experience underscored the critical importance of recognizing abnormal signs, persistent troubleshooting, the value of standby equipment, and leveraging ATC as a vital resource during in-flight emergencies.
The air was cool and the skies clear as my wife and I flew the return trip from Albuquerque to our home in California at 10,500 feet. Approaching Flagstaff, I noticed a cracking and popping sound coming through my primary radio. It was a new GPS/Comm unit and I wondered what could be interfering. It was annoying, but wasn’t really a big deal—or so I thought.
288
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
