Editor’s note: The following is a first-person account of an in-flight emergency. It was originally posted by the pilot, David Fill, to an internet-based pilot’s forum and has been adapted forAviation Safetywith his permission.
Smoke In The Cockpit!
I had an eventful flight the other night. The day before, I had picked up my Beech Model 58P Pressurized Baron from its annual inspection and some extensive panel work at a facility in Massachusetts. After the paperwork was complete, I did my usual careful post-maintenance inspection and then test-flew it around the pattern several times before putting it away in my hangar back at its base
Key Takeaways:
- An in-flight emergency occurred when smoke filled the cabin of a Beech Baron due to a pinched wire on a recently installed instrument light, a fault that became apparent several hours after extensive maintenance.
- The pilot skillfully managed the situation by immediately cutting electrical power, initiating a descent, and using an iPad for navigation while coordinating a safe emergency landing with ATC at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
- The issue was quickly identified and repaired on the ground, and the incident provided the pilot with valuable lessons on passenger communication during emergencies, the importance of recent recurrent training, and thorough post-maintenance checks.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
