Duchess 76
Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
We did intentional engine shut down at 5500 ft and restarted with using approved checklist. After turning the alternator switches on I saw smoke coming off from radio compartment and we lost radio communication after that with center. We had to squawk 7600 and shut down the alternator switches for avoiding the fire hazard on the cabin. We circled around [the] airport and landed safely.
BE76 Instructor reports shutting down an engine in flight for training; then restarting it. When the alternator switches are turned on; smoke is seen coming from the radio compartment. The switches are turned back off and the training flight returns to the departure airport.