PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 8; Flight Crew Total 348; Flight Crew Type 55
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
While in initial climb through 5;000 ft. my passenger detected smoke in the cockpit. I confirmed the smoke in the cockpit. I did not know the exact source. We were 6 miles north of ZZZ. I [advised] ATC. They offered me runway XXR at ZZZ and I acknowledged. I shut down my electrical system and was unable to communicate with ATC after that transmission. I landed safely and taxied to the ramp.
PA-32 single pilot reported an air return due to a fumes event during initial climb.