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C182 pilot reported electrical smoke from the instrument panel during cruise and diverted to the nearest airport.

Date: 2025-07 · Aircraft: Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: Aircraft equipment problem criticalAirspace violation all typesDeviation discrepancy procedural landing without clearanceFlight deck cabin aircraft event smoke fire fumes odorGround incursion runway

Synopsis

C182 pilot reported electrical smoke from the instrument panel during cruise and diverted to the nearest airport.

Narrative

Crusing along from ZZZ2 - ZZZ1 - ZZZ2 and we had a possible electrical fire about 15 NM east of ZZZ on our way back to ZZZ2. We smelled something burning and several seconds later smoke began pouring out of the instrument. We shut off all the electrical systems; decided ZZZ was our closest airport; and returned there to land without electrical power. ZZZ has a temporary control tower that we did not make contact before landing for fear of restarting the fire or making it worse.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.

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