This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports.
Preflight inspection and run-up were normal with no noticeable discrepancies. Takeoff and landing gear operation was normal on departure. The Baron’s landing gear was not cycled in the flight prior to the occurrence of the fire.
Leading up to the event, there were no abnormal indications throughout the flight.
After completing some training maneuvers, I instructed the student to perform an emergency descent. We were approximately 7 nautical miles to the northeast of ZZZ at 7,500 feet MSL at 135 KIAS. The student pulled the throttle to idle, lowered the gear handle, and began a left 45° descending turn while inputting approach flaps. The aircraft accelerated to approximately 145 KIAS.
At this time, I began to smell something burning, and at the same time, the flaps had come to a stop. I instructed the student to end the maneuver.
By this time, smoke started to fill the cabin. I took the controls and brought up the flaps while continuing the emergency descent towards the airport.
I put the flaps up because I believed the flap motor was causing the smoke. The visible smoke stopped after 30 or 45 seconds and dissipated mostly by the time we were on final approach.
The entire event from start to finish was less than four minutes.
The airport tower frequency was already tuned into the radio, so I advised ATC we had a fire and intended to land at the airport.
The air traffic controller promptly called the FBO manager.
I tuned to the CTAF frequency and called for a straight-in approach and landing to Runway XX, winds were 110 gusting 22 knots.
I performed a no flap landing and taxied to the FBO ramp.
As we entered the ramp, the FBO manager and one other personnel were on the ramp with fire extinguishers waiting for us.
We shut down the aircraft and exited the aircraft.
Less than one minute later, the fire department arrived. They inspected the entire aircraft with a thermal device and stated to not hangar the aircraft until the battery was disconnected. After the inspection, they left.
Primary Problem: Aircraft
ACN: 1903530
“The airport tower frequency was already tuned” – “I tuned to the CTAF and requested a straight in landing” – ok so you had a tower on the radio and then you called CTAF to “ request” a straight in landing? I have been flying for many years, GA and airline, not clear as to the reason for the radio frequency change if there is a tower. Also agree with earlier comment, don’t change configuration. I was always taught if there is a fire 🔥 GET THE AIRPLANE ON THE GROUND!!
Agree. Why run a motor you think is overheating if you don’t have to. Report is a bit confusing – you don’t need to talk to ATC if you’re announcing your intentions on CTAF.
Plenty of altitude and close to the airport.
Leave flaps and gear down and pull the circuit breakers.