Also had an electrical failure in the Cessna before its engine (and components) overhaul, due to a broken wire on the last hour of night on a flight home. Night VMC, so weather was not a problem, and just a little moon. Also carry 3 torches on night flights. Coming into the circuit just after the Flying Doctor had departed, the radio and panel lights having given up, the runway lights were still on but the windsock lights were flashing. A quick join, but lined up on final the lights went out. There was just enough light to make out the runway and judge the landing. Have carried a hand held portable VHF as part of the night equipment in the aircraft since, but still need to get a connection from the mobile phone to the headset to cut out the background noise if its needed.
Last edited by frigatebird; 12th Jul 2010 at 22:30.