Failed trip to London

On Wednesday evening, May 21, 2008, I was on my way to Biggin Hill, London. My preferred plane for this trip, the Piper Archer PH-EAH, was not available. Near Koksijde I noticed that the alternator was not generating output anymore. After resetting the alternator, the ammeter indicated an overload, and the alternator switched off again. Since a retry after a minute or so did not solve the problem, I notified Oostende approach that I would return to Lelystad. I switched off all electronic components and the battery to save power for the last phase of the flight.

Ready to go

Lelystad

Electrical failure

Electronic components switched off

Only fuel pressure, oil pressure and RPM

Oostende APP on the hand-held

About to cross the Westerschelde

Island Tiengemeten in the Haringvliet