NTSB Factual Report

On June 14, 2018, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 402C airplane, N322HA, experienced an electrical failure that resulted in a gear-up landing at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Air Flight Inc., owned and operated the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The on-demand cross country flight originated from Palm Beach International Airport, West Palm Beach, Florida about 0830 and was destined for Andros Town International Airport, Fresh Creek, Bahamas.

The pilot stated that about 20 minutes into the flight, the airplane experienced a total electrical failure. The pilot maneuvered the airplane in circles while attempting to troubleshoot the problem and run through the emergency checklists. Despite his efforts, the power could not be restored. The pilot contacted the company's maintenance department and returned to the departure airport. The pilot attempted to extend the electrically-actuated hydraulic landing gear to no avail; a low pass confirmed the landing gear remained retracted. Thereafter, he attempted to use the emergency extension system by pulling the T-handle. The handle separated from its respective housing.

After speaking with the maintenance personnel, they performed several low passes and confirmed that the landing gear were still in the retracted position. The pilot opted to continue to troubleshoot the electrical problem while burning off fuel. He opted to land at Fort Lauderdale and briefed the passengers. The airplane touched down on 10R which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.