Piper PA32R, VH-SBK, Charleville QLD, 4 July 1984

During cruise the pilot noticed that the electrical system was malfunctioning. The ammeter was reading zero, the system was switched off and a diversion for landing carried out. The pilot reported that, on arrival in the circuit area, the landing gear could not be lowered by the emergency system. A wheels-up landing was made. An inspection of the aircraft revealed that the electrical problems were due an alternator failure which resulted from a faulty connection on a brush lead. The reason that the gear was unable to be lowered by the emergency system could not be determined.