On July 24, 1994, a Smith, Ted Aerostar AEROSTAR 601 (registration N63317) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Smoke and heat emanated from the instrument panel during cruise, causing radio failure. The pilot shut off power and ditched the plane near a boat.
What happened
During the cruise portion of the flight, the pilot noticed smoke and intense heat originating from beneath the instrument panel. Shortly after these symptoms appeared, the communication radios ceased to function. In response to the escalating situation, the pilot turned off the master battery switch. Despite cutting power, smoke continued to pour out from under the instrument panel. Consequently, the pilot decided to perform a water landing near a boat.
The investigation
The source text does not provide specific details regarding mechanical examination or post-accident findings beyond the pilot's immediate observations and actions during the emergency.