Citation X (C750)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; General Evacuated
Aircraft
While cruising at FL450 we experienced what appeared to be an electrical fire starting from the microwave which was in use at the time. As PIC and Pilot Flying (PF); upon smelling a strange burning smell I reached back and turned off the microwave. I maintained control of the aircraft and the nonflying pilot jumped up to investigate. As the First Officer; Pilot Not Flying (PNF); opened the door to the microwave and the drawer under the microwave there was an acrid smell indicative of an electrical fire that became stronger. He then turned off the Interior Master and we attempted to determine if the fire was out. It appeared the acrid smell was dissipating; but without the ability to remove the microwave the crew was unable to confirm the fire was out. I then advised ATC and requested an emergency descent and landing. Our destination was still an hour out. ATC recommended a major airport which was 60 miles behind us which I accepted; initiated a descent and preparation for landing while the First Officer ran the electrical fire checklist. We completed a visual landing with a full stop and evacuated on the runway. Emergency vehicles responded and confirmed the fire was out. The aircraft was towed to the FBO. When the incident occurred one of the passengers was warming food for lunch in the microwave safe containers in which the food was delivered. No metal was ever placed in the microwave. The incident occurred after the microwave was used approximately four times.
I briefed the passengers of our intentions and prepared them for the emergency landing and then returned to PNF duty where I donned my oxygen mask and completed the electrical fire checklist. We then briefed our evacuation procedure with me removing passengers from aircraft and the Captain securing the aircraft.
When the flight crew of a CE-750 smelled electrical odors emanating from the passenger accessible microwave they shut off power to it; advised ATC; and diverted to the nearest suitable airport where they evacuated the aircraft following an uneventful landing.