Date: 202001
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Night
Aircraft: Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Operator: Personal
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: None
Mission: Personal
Flight phase: Cruise
Aircraft component: AC Generator/Alternator
Component problem: Failed
Reporter organization: Personal
Reporter function: Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Private
Human factors: Communication Breakdown; Human-Machine Interface; Troubleshooting
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: At roughly XA:28; a Cessna 172M (Aircraft X) had its alternator breaker trip; resulting in a roughly five minute loss of external lights; communications; and transponder. At the time; Aircraft X was being used for a VFR cross country flight for personal use and was not on flight following or in primary contact with ZZZ Tracon. Aircraft X was on a westbound course back to the northern region after sightseeing.Before panel failure from the loss of alternator power (result of the tripped breaker); the pilot noticed the lack of sidetone and the inability to hear himself through the headset. The pilot noticed that the audio panel (a PMA8000BT) was not illuminated and appeared to be 'dead'. For unknown reasons; the audio panel failure resulted in this troubleshooting to be broadcast on the COM1 frequency - at XA:28 the pilot can be heard on freq as saying 'oh no' several times as he realized sidetone and intercom were not operational as well as attempting to get his passenger's attention. The last thing the pilot heard was Aircraft Y reporting hearing the transmission to ZZZ Approach.The primary radio (a GNS430) turned off roughly 15 seconds later (which stopped the 'oh no' transmission); followed by the aircraft's transponder. The pilot determined the best course of action; at this point; was to remain on course. On the current flight path and altitude - there was no risk of violating airspace (either ZZZ1 Class B shelf or ZZZ Class C shelf); and Aircraft X was almost exactly between the nearest two towered airports (ZZZ and ZZZ2) so proceeding on a westerly course was deemed best.After maintaining aircraft control and understanding the situation; the pilot then attempted to follow the proper checklist for electronic failures. The pilot initially thought the issue was a full alternator failure; but before attempting the recommended troubleshooting; decided to check the circuit breaker panel - finding that the 60 amp alternator breaker had tripped. After toggling the master switch off; turning off light switches; and other electrical loads; the pilot then reset the breaker and brought master back online. From there; everything appeared normal. Radios were back online - however the transponder (GTX 355) reported 'fail' on screen and was presumably in-op. By this point; Aircraft X [was] within the ZZZ1 30 NM Mode C veil without a functioning Mode C transponder. The pilot then contacted ZZZ Approach to inform them that the 'oh no' transmission was actually Aircraft X and let them know of the situation. The transponder was offline for roughly the next three minutes as the aircraft continued its westbound course to the ZZZ2 area - at that point; the pilot decided to attempt to power cycle the transponder; after which it appeared to operate correctly.No emergency was ever declared. Aircraft X landed at ZZZ2 without incident at XB:17.




Synopsis: C172 pilot reported the alternator circuit breaker tripped during a night flight; resulting in the loss of navigation and communication capabilities. The pilot reset the circuit breaker and landed uneventfully.