Falcon 2000
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I was the flying pilot and acting PIC commencing a flight with two passengers onboard. During the takeoff roll; just after the non-flying pilot called 'rotate'; both my PFD and MFD went black. I continued the takeoff and called for 'gear up'. It was at that point that I noticed First Officer's (FO) PFD was covered with red flags as well. It was at that point that I noticed smoke coming from behind the glare shield and the cockpit immediately filled with the scent of burning electrical wiring. I immediately initiated a left turn over the water and advised FO to notify the tower that we were returning to land. He advised the Tower of our intentions. As we entered the downwind at approximately 300 feet AGL (MSL); I called for 'gear down;' exercised my emergency authority to complete necessary items without a checklist in the interest of expediency; and we landed without any problem.After landing; I taxied off the runway and brought the airplane to a stop and ordered everyone to exit the aircraft. FO exited the cockpit to open the door while I shut the engines down and secured the airplane. The fire trucks were there in less than 30 seconds and they made sure the airplane was safe. The firefighter that entered the airplane advised us that it was definitely an electrical issue due to the strong scent that still remained. After I exited the airplane; I approached the passengers and asked if they were ok. They said they were and asked what had happened. I advised them that we had smoke and fumes in the cockpit and that forced us to have to make a rather speedy return to the airport. I asked airport ops to drive the passengers back to the FBO and he took care of them right away. We; the entire crew; remained with the airplane and waited for the FBO to come and tow it back to the ramp. A maintenance squawk was written and the onsite mechanics took operational control of the airplane.
This event occurred as a result of a rare and catastrophic failure of the avionics system (PFD & MFD) which resulted in the form of visible smoke and an unseen fire behind the avionics panel. Given the nature and urgency of the situation; I firmly believe that each crew member performed exactly as needed. Additionally; our actions were prompt and decisive because of lessons learned from previous accidents where small fires became overwhelming within a matter of minutes.
DA-2000 flight crew reported returning to departure airport after experiencing smoke and fumes coming from behind the instrument panel shortly after takeoff.