N5192W

On December 31, 1993, about 1745 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N5192W, registered to Rainbow Flyers, Inc., collided with trees while on final approach to land at the Vicksburg Municipal Airport, Vicksburg, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight originated about 1500, from the Lake View Airport, Lake Dallas, Texas.

The pilot stated that the electrical system failed about 15 to 20 minutes before the airplane collided with trees while on final approach to land. He further stated that the landing light did not illuminate when he turned it on for landing.

A student pilot seated in the left front seat stated that he brought to the pilot's attention about 15-20 minutes before the accident that the low voltage light for the Loran unit was illuminated. The pilot checked the circuit breakers and recycled the alternator switch, but a short time later the rotating beacon for the destination airport was observed. The pilot flew over the airport and entered the traffic pattern for landing on runway 19. While on final approach, the pilot turned on the landing light and the electrical system failed. The pilot then asked to have a flashlight turned on and the airplane then collided with trees. The airplane was landed uneventfully.

According to an NTSB program, the moon illumination at the time of the accident was determined to be 89 percent. The nearest facility with official weather observations was located about 45 nautical miles east of the accident airport. At 1756, the sky condition was determined to be clear below 12,000 feet.

According to the Airport Facility Directory, the usable length of the runway used at night is 4,500 feet and the threshold is displaced 200 feet due to trees. Additionally, the runway end identifier lights are listed as being out of service indefinitely. A visual approach slope indicator is not installed for the runway used by the accident airplane.

The airplane was temporarily repaired and flown on a ferry flight to the home base for permanent repairs. During the ferry flight, the pilot observed that the ammeter indicated a charge and discharge. Examination of the electrical system revealed that the field wire was broken at the terminal end which was covered by heat shrink. The terminal end for the field wire was connected to the field terminal position at the generator.

According to the owner of the flight school, there were previous discrepancies noted about the electrical system; however, inspection of the electrical system failed to reveal the reason for the discrepancies.