PA-28R Cherokee Arrow All Series
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 44; Flight Crew Total 314; Flight Crew Type 33
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Evacuated
Aircraft
I was acting as PIC; with two passengers. The other person in the front of the aircraft was an instrument pilot; and filed the flight plan for me since my iPad was in the plane and we were in the FBO; he filed under his own name. Everything was routine except the use of the panel lights; as this airplane does not fly at night very often. During climb out; smoke began entering the cockpit at a rapid rate; accompanied by the smell of electrical fire. Immediately executed a 180-degree turn back to ZZZ and [advised ATC]. Immediately began shutting down electrical systems with the exception of the radio; EFIS; digital engine monitor; GPS; and transponder. Upon shutting off the lights; the smoke stopped generating and began to dissipate. Did not fully dissipate until we were on the ground and evacuated from the aircraft. Made a fast approach to Runway X with no flaps and cleared the runway. Evacuation followed; and no fire retardant was used on the aircraft. Aircraft has been grounded pending inspection by our mechanic.
PA-28 pilot reported smoke in the cabin led to a return to the departure airport.