Incident Details
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noted an odor. Within 30 seconds to one minute, smoke became visible in the cockpit. The pilot executed the emergency checklist, which included turning off all electrical power, and decided to return to the airport for landing.
Landing and Fire Spread
After landing, the pilot successfully taxied the airplane onto a taxiway. He then exited the aircraft to seek assistance in extinguishing a fire that had started. Upon his return, he observed that the fire had spread throughout the cabin and to the empennage area.
Fire Suppression and Damage
The fire was eventually extinguished. However, the cabin area and nose compartment were destroyed by the fire. A post-accident examination of the airplane did not reveal the source of the fire.