Small aircraft flight crew reported receiving a PFD fan fail message during cruise followed by a burning smell and smoke in the cockpit. Flight crew diverted; performed an off-airport landing; and evacuated the aircraft.
Synopsis
Small aircraft flight crew reported receiving a PFD fan fail message during cruise followed by a burning smell and smoke in the cockpit. Flight crew diverted; performed an off-airport landing; and evacuated the aircraft.
Narrative
This event was a training flight departing ZZZ. All operations normal through Startup/Taxi/Runup. At the completion of the departure from ZZZ over ZZZZZ there was an indication on the PFD (Primary Flight Display) for PFD fan fail. Shortly after the indication occurred it was removed. I referred to the QRH for annunciations on the PFD. We decided to continue the flight as the indication had been removed and was not an emergency situation. As we continued our climb to an appropriate altitude for our demonstration stalls: 3000 Ft. AGL a 2nd PFD fan fail indication occurred. At this time we had a secondary indication occur for PFD overheat. At this time we made a decision to turn around and start heading back to ZZZ. As we turned around we started to smell burning and had white smoke enter the flight deck. At this time I had my Student start running the electrical fire checklist AS I performed an emergency descent and got the windows and vents open. At this time we changed over to [frequency] XXX.X and set our squawk code to XXXX. We [advised ATC] over frequency and decided that at low level altitude and with potential fire we could not continue the flight to ZZZ1 which was 13 miles away. We found a suitable landing place and evaluated potential risks prior to putting the plane down. After touch down we shut off all remaining electronics and exited the aircraft. We made contact with local authorities; school dispatch; and the Flight Service station to advise that we were safe on the ground.
Second reporter narrative
Departed ZZZ for stall lesson. On way out got a PFD fan fail that disappeared after 2 minutes. Discussed this and pulled check list up. Continued with flight and at 4800ft another PFD fan fail message and nearly straight after PFD over heat shed load PFD message appeared. after about 30 seconds to a minute after that message we smelt burning and saw white smoke from under PFD. We commenced an emergency decent and turn back towards our origin while I pulled up electrical fire check list and started running through it while confirming the actions. After check list was complete we discussed if we should head to ZZZ1 which was around XX miles north of us. But with the smell of burning getting stronger and heat being felt on our feet and at low level a decision was made to put it down on a clear wide road with no built up area around and no traffic or power line. [Advised ATC] with [frequency] XXX.X and squawked XX00.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.