M-20 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 226; Flight Crew Type 120
Confusion; Troubleshooting; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
Was doing simulated emergency descent over ZZZ and began to experience smoke in cockpit which was electrical in nature.  After turning all systems off; we attempted to make emergency landing at ZZZ but could not due to excessive speed on first attempt.  After reviewing the situation; we determined that turning all electrical off had removed the smoke in cabin.  With it becoming dusk and having no knowledge of A&P on the field; we decided to proceed back to ZZZ1 and landed uneventfully.  However; with electrical systems off we did not have ADSB-out or transponder working at the time.
Pilot reported smoke in the cockpit during a training flight. Flight Crew turned off all electrical power and the smoke dissipated. The Flight Crew elected to return to the departure airport and make a precautionary landing.