Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified; Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Glider
Air Traffic Control Radar 20; Air Traffic Control Supervisory 15; Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 1135; Flight Crew Type 55
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
After departing ZZZ. I was in radar contact with ZZZ approach control and provided with flight following to ZZZ1. Approximately 4.5nm NE of ZZZ1 I reported the field in site and radar services were terminated. Upon frequency change I obtained the current AWOS at ZZZ1. While tuning the ZZZ1 CTAF I noticed a strong burning odor inside the cabin which; at the time; was believed to be electrical. I immediately began my crosscheck and entered a stabilized descent out of 1;700 MSL direct ZZZ1. During the descent; I began troubleshooting the issue and identified that the alternator circuit breaker had tripped. To confirm that it was not a false trip I attempted to reset the circuit breaker to no avail. Upon entering the 45 degree midfield left downwind for Runway XX at ZZZ1; it seemed that the burning odor was becoming more prominent. Believing that the aircraft was at great risk of catching fire I retrieved the fire extinguisher and [advised ATC] and stated my intentions over ZZZ1 CTAF. After completing my transmission; I immediately turned off the master battery switch and began preparing for a landing. Upon entering the traffic pattern until short final I continued to scan for traffic and did not observe anyone on the base leg; final leg; or on the runway. Throughout; I continued to look for visible signs of fire both inside/outside the aircraft. Upon a successful landing on Runway XX at ZZZ1; I expedited my ground roll to the taxiway where I immediately shut down the engine. I stopped on the east side of the taxiway at which time I turned the fuel select valve to the off position and egressed the aircraft. I immediately inspected the aircraft for obvious signs of an active fire. Upon further inspection; I identified electrical burns around the hot terminal of the alternator. The 6-gauge alternator wire was found to be completely burned through and held to the terminal solely by the terminal grommet.
Pilot flying C-182 aircraft reported an electrical burning odor during descent to landing. After landing inspection revealed electrical burn marks around hot terminal of alternator.