Incident Overview
A pilot and passenger on a flight experienced an in-flight smoke event. The pilot and passenger first detected the smell of smoke inside the cockpit. In response, they opened vents and windows in the aircraft. The pilot also turned off the master switch. Despite these actions, the smoke continued to increase in intensity.
Emergency Descent and Landing
Faced with worsening conditions, the pilot reduced engine power and initiated a descent for an emergency landing. During the descent, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear but was unable to do so. The pilot therefore executed an emergency landing with the gear retracted. The landing occurred in a field, where visibility was near zero at the time of touchdown.
Aftermath
Upon landing, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot and passenger subsequently exited the aircraft. After their exit, the airplane was completely consumed by fire.
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. However, due to the extensive fire damage, the inspector was unable to determine the origin of the fire that occurred during the flight.