Incident Overview
While on short final approach for runway 15, smoke began flowing from underneath the instrument panel. The pilot could not see or breathe and declared an emergency to the air traffic control tower. Attempts to vent the cabin were unsuccessful, and the pilot continued the landing with the landing gear handle placed in the down position.
Emergency Response
The tower controller advised the pilot that the airplane's landing gear was extended but not fully down. Despite the gear indication, the pilot proceeded with the landing. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the east side of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the cockpit and found that a wire bundle under the instrument panel on the copilot's side had sustained heat and fire damage. The fire damage was confined to that wire bundle. Additionally, the hydraulic motor circuit breaker was found in the popped position.