Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 66; Flight Crew Total 634; Flight Crew Type 523
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Following departure; at about 3;000 FT; [I noticed] a burning smell followed by smoke coming out from under the circuit breakers. I notified Approach of the issue and requested permission to land immediately at the nearest airport. Approach approved request to land at an Air Force Base which was 3 miles to the north. I was asked to switch to Tower and they quickly cleared landing and would have emergency personnel assist. Emergency procedures implemented followed by a good landing and we stopped the plane at the first turn off. The plane was vacated and fire personnel inspected. A melted wire leading to the landing light had shorted and melted in two pieces. Due to the quick response; no damage was done to the aircraft other than smoke smell. Air Force incident paperwork was completed; mechanics consulted and determined that the aircraft was airworthy; followed by a departure about 1 hour later. The aircraft is now at a mechanic and avionic shop for repairs. The staff and support team at [the Air Force Base] were very understanding and courteous.
The pilot of a Cessna 182 observed smoke and a burning smell so he declared an emergency and landed at a nearby military base. A shorted wire was identified as the cause.