Accident Cessna 172RG N5115U, Monday 13 September 1982

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Date:	Monday 13 September 1982
Time:	17:30 LT
Type:	Cessna 172RG
Owner/operator:	Mr. Jeffery Byrd
Registration:	N5115U
MSN:	172RG0244
Total airframe hrs:	789 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-360-F1A6
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Prospect, KY - United States of America
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Executive
Departure airport:	Louisville, KY
Destination airport:	Tri City, TN
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE PLT WAS RETURNING TO HIS DEPARTURE POINT DUE TO ENCOUNTERING ROUGH WX. WHILE DESCENDING TO 4,000 FT FOR AN ILS APPROACH THE PLT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE PLT ELECTED TO DESCEND TO VFR CONDITIONS & BROKE OUT ABOUT 100 FT AGL. THE PLT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD, STRUCK A DITCH & OVERTURNED. EXAMINATION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REVEALED ONE ALTERNATOR BRUSH COMPLETELY WORN WITH EVIDENCE OF ROTATIONAL GRINDING ON THE COMMUTATOR BARS.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: