In 2003, mechanical and maintenance were the major cause of 15% of all GA accidents, and 7.5% of fatal accidents

Typically, one mistake or failure—a precipitating event—leads to another in a cascading series of malfunctions and mistakes, culminatiing in an accident. This is called the accident chain.

By any calculation, the average pilot could fly many, many lifetimes without having an accident of any sort, let alone a much more rare fatal mishap.

In 2003, electrical/ignition failures accounted for 3% of all accidents, and 0% of fatal accidents.

2004 Nall Report

  
 

CIRRUS Monthly Proficiency Program
3 part series on IFR operations
August – Part 1: Electrical Systems



Items to Simulate on the Ground

  • Adjust RPMs to extinguish the ALT 2 annunciator light (approx. 1700-2200 RPMs).
  • Position the airplane so that prop blast is not directed towards any hangars, other airplanes or individuals.
  • Closely monitor Oil, CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature), and EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) temperatures to avoid operating in the red zone.
  • Turn off ALT 1 and BAT 1 and notice what systems are affected. Make sure that before you turn on ALT 1, you first turn on BAT 1 to excite the alternator.
  • Turn off ALT 2 and BAT 2 and notice that none of the systems is affected, and that ALT 1 is capable of supplying enough power to the entire system. Toggle the amp switch to ALT 1. Notice that the alternator load is approximately 35-45 amps.


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