2025-10 · NASA ASRS report 2297581
Flight Instructor and Student Pilot reported landing safely after experiencing an electrical fire in their Cessna 150.
My instructor and myself were flying on an instrument flight plan from ZZZ1 to ZZZ to do the practice ILS XX go missed then back into ZZZ1 with the RNAV XY. My instructor had the controls to demonstrate the approach and the steps for the ILS. We were on vectors to final descending from 4000 to 3000 cleared for ILS XX to ZZZ. We had the cabin heat on periodically through the flight and 3 miles before the FAF my instructor noticed extreme heat by their feet which i didn't experience on my side and then a puff of smoke emerged from below the panel on my instructor's side. They then let ZZZ approach know that we were experiencing an electrical fire and that they were going to shut off the electrical equipment. They proceeded to follow the checklist shutting off the electrical equipment making sure cabin air and heat were off. Once the fire appeared to be out they turned the battery; alternator; and avionics on one at a time slowly to ensure nothing reignited to contact ZZZ approach. We were then switched to ZZZ tower and given a landing clearance then landed.
Myself along with my student were on an instrument flight plan headed to ZZZ from ZZZ1 with the intentions of flying the ILS XX; going missed; and following up with the RNAV XY back into ZZZ1. I was flying the aircraft. We were given vectors to final; told to descend from 4;000 to 3;000 and cleared for the ILS XX into ZZZ. The cabin heat intermittently used throughout the flight and was turned off once reaching 3;000 feet. Three miles before the final approach fix I noticed heat emanating from my feet and smoke coming from below the panel. I let ZZZ approach know that we were experiencing an electrical fire and that I was going to shut off my electrical equipment. I followed the electrical fire checklist; shut off the electrical equipment; and made sure the vents and cabin air and heat were shut off. The fire appeared to be out. At this point to contact ZZZ approach I turned back on the battery; alternator; and avionics master one at a time and slowly. ZZZ approach switched us to tower and we were given a landing clearance. We taxied to parking with no assistance needed.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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