BE9 pilot experiences a gradual power loss at 16;000 feet resulting in lost communications and the d...

Attributes
ACN	1049222
Time
Date	201211
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	King Air C90 E90
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 135
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	Direct
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Electrical Power
Person 1
Function	Captain Single Pilot
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45 Flight Crew Total 2350 Flight Crew Type 45
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical

Narrative:

Experienced gradual electrical failure in flight. Lost communications with center and squawked 7600 for approximately one minute before total electrical loss. Began turn back to departure airport in VFR conditions at 16;000 feet (assigned altitude). Began descent to airport and to acquire cell signal to notify center and company. Regained power and resolved issue after turn back to airport at approximately 14;500 feet MSL. Once avionics came back online I could hear center asking other aircraft for help contacting us; so I immediately contacted center and they redirected me back to 16;000 feet and back direct to destination. No other issues after regaining electrical power.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: BE9 pilot experiences a gradual power loss at 16;000 feet resulting in lost communications and the decision to return VFR to the departure airport. During descent electrical power is regained and Center is contacted; allowing the flight to continue to destination.

Narrative: Experienced gradual electrical failure in flight. Lost communications with Center and squawked 7600 for approximately one minute before total electrical loss. Began turn back to departure airport in VFR conditions at 16;000 feet (assigned altitude). Began descent to airport and to acquire cell signal to notify Center and company. Regained power and resolved issue after turn back to airport at approximately 14;500 feet MSL. Once avionics came back online I could hear Center asking other aircraft for help contacting us; so I immediately contacted Center and they redirected me back to 16;000 feet and back direct to destination. No other issues after regaining electrical power.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

BE9 pilot experiences a gradual power loss at 16;000 feet resulting in lost communications and the decision to return VFR to the departure airport. During descent electrical power is regained and center is contacted; allowing the flight to continue to destination.