Pilot Ground Loops Aircraft After Suspected Electrical Fire (N7825T)

Incident Overview

A pilot flying on top of a cloud layer began experiencing irregularities with the avionics equipment. The situation was accompanied by the smell of burning electrical insulation. Suspecting a fire, the pilot sought a break in the cloud layer to make a precautionary landing.

Landing and Ground Loop

Upon finding a break in the clouds, the pilot descended below the cloud layer and landed in an open field adjacent to a highway. To avoid going through a fence and onto the highway, the pilot intentionally ground looped the airplane into bushes on the side of the field. The maneuver resulted in structural damage to the right wing.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the airplane's electrical system failed to disclose any anomalies or evidence of an electrical fire. The pilot stated that no effort was made to troubleshoot or isolate the irregularities.