What happened
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, smoke began filling the cabin of the aircraft. Concerned about the potential hazard, he decided to return to the airport for a precautionary landing. During the approach and subsequent touchdown, the left wing of the aircraft collided with a snowbank located beside the runway.
The investigation
A mechanical examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the source of the smoke. Investigators tested the electrical system with the engine shut down. They found that turning on the master switch did not produce any smoke when the engine was off. However, once the engine was started, smoke appeared again, indicating an issue linked to the running engine or its associated systems.
Findings
The incident involved a precautionary landing due to in-flight smoke. The collision with the snowbank occurred during the final phase of the approach. The investigation highlighted that the smoke generation was dependent on the engine being operational, as no smoke was detected when the electrical system was powered without the engine running.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that electrical or mechanical failures can generate smoke rapidly after engine start. Immediate recognition and execution of precautionary procedures are critical to maintaining control and ensuring a safe landing.