1996-12-23: The Islander, Registration DI-ADM was originally enroute from Reyljavick to Gander, when the pilot requested and was cleared to St. John's airport. Approximately 160 miles from St. John's the aircraft had a complete electrical failure affecting communication and navigation equipment. Using a portable GPS and a flashlight the pilot was able to continue to St. John's. Communications were re-established with St. John's with the use of a portable transmittern / receiver radio when the aircraft was 15 miles from the airport. Unable to fly an approach the pilot was issued vectors and given an emergency survellance approach to RWY 29. The aircraft landed at 2131z and lost one engine on touchdown, the second engine was shut down intentionally after roll out. The aircraft stopped at the intersection of RYW 11/29 and RWY 16/34 thus closing the airport until 2145z when the aircraft was towed to the ramp area. At 2134z
SPR926 a
SW4 Metroliner out of Gander was established straight in ILS RWY 29. When advised the RWY might be closed for 25-30 minites the aircraft returned to Gander. The pilot of DI-ADM called the tower to thank the controller for her assistance during the approach. TSB evaluating, more to follow. UPDATE: It was discovered that some time after departure from Iceland on the ferry flight to Florida the pilot observed that the aircraft's right alternator had failed and the pilot elected to continue on. The weather at St. John's at the time of landing was 300 ft. overcast with 2 miles visiblity. Maintenance found that the aircraft's left alternator remained attached by only one bolt, the battery had no electrical charge and the right alternator failure was probably due to an electrical fault. They also noted that as compared to other ferry aircraft this aircraft seemed to be well maintained.
