# SDR 2026FA0000743

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: September 18, 2026
- Submitted: September 19, 2026
- Operation: General aviation
- Aircraft: [N789ND](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N789ND), registered now
- Make and model: Piper PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (OpenAirDocs)
- Aircraft serial: 2881307
- Aircraft time: 5,513 hours
- System (JASC): [2430 · DC Generating System](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/2430)
- Part: Power Cable
- Condition: Broken
- Location: Alternator
- Stage of operation: CR
- How discovered: O
- Nature of condition: B
- Precautionary procedure: A
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2026FA0000743

## Discrepancy

THE RING TERMINAL ON THE OUTPUT TERMINAL OF THE ALTERNATOR BREAKS OFF, AFTER BREAKING THE TWO PARTS OF THE RING TERMINAL MAKE INTERMITTENT CONTACT; THIS INTERMITTENT CONTACT MAKES THE ALTERNATOR FAIL SWITCH (THAT IS MOUNTED INSIDE THE COCKPIT) OVERHEAT AND SHOOT OUT SPARKS AND SMOKE, THIS CONTINUES UNTIL THE AUX TERMINAL INLINE FUSE BLOWS.  AN EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED, AIRCRAFT LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT OR INJURY.

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