When the flight crew of a ce-750 smelled electrical odors emanating from the passenger accessible mi...

Narrative:

While cruising at FL450 we experienced what appeared to be an electrical fire starting from the microwave which was in use at the time. As PIC and pilot flying (PF); upon smelling a strange burning smell I reached back and turned off the microwave. I maintained control of the aircraft and the nonflying pilot jumped up to investigate. As the first officer; pilot not flying (PNF); opened the door to the microwave and the drawer under the microwave there was an acrid smell indicative of an electrical fire that became stronger. He then turned off the interior master and we attempted to determine if the fire was out. It appeared the acrid smell was dissipating; but without the ability to remove the microwave the crew was unable to confirm the fire was out. I then advised ATC and requested an emergency descent and landing. Our destination was still an hour out. ATC recommended a major airport which was 60 miles behind us which I accepted; initiated a descent and preparation for landing while the first officer ran the electrical fire checklist. We completed a visual landing with a full stop and evacuated on the runway. Emergency vehicles responded and confirmed the fire was out. The aircraft was towed to the FBO. When the incident occurred one of the passengers was warming food for lunch in the microwave safe containers in which the food was delivered. No metal was ever placed in the microwave. The incident occurred after the microwave was used approximately four times.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: When the flight crew of a CE-750 smelled electrical odors emanating from the passenger accessible microwave they shut off power to it; advised ATC; and diverted to the nearest suitable airport where they evacuated the aircraft following an uneventful landing.

Narrative: While cruising at FL450 we experienced what appeared to be an electrical fire starting from the microwave which was in use at the time. As PIC and Pilot Flying (PF); upon smelling a strange burning smell I reached back and turned off the microwave. I maintained control of the aircraft and the nonflying pilot jumped up to investigate. As the First Officer; Pilot Not Flying (PNF); opened the door to the microwave and the drawer under the microwave there was an acrid smell indicative of an electrical fire that became stronger. He then turned off the Interior Master and we attempted to determine if the fire was out. It appeared the acrid smell was dissipating; but without the ability to remove the microwave the crew was unable to confirm the fire was out. I then advised ATC and requested an emergency descent and landing. Our destination was still an hour out. ATC recommended a major airport which was 60 miles behind us which I accepted; initiated a descent and preparation for landing while the First Officer ran the electrical fire checklist. We completed a visual landing with a full stop and evacuated on the runway. Emergency vehicles responded and confirmed the fire was out. The aircraft was towed to the FBO. When the incident occurred one of the passengers was warming food for lunch in the microwave safe containers in which the food was delivered. No metal was ever placed in the microwave. The incident occurred after the microwave was used approximately four times.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1193648
Time
Date	201408
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Citation X (C750)
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 135
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Galley Furnishing
Person 1
Function	Pilot Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Person 2
Function	Pilot Not Flying First Officer
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor

When the flight crew of a ce-750 smelled electrical odors emanating from the passenger accessible microwave they shut off power to it; advised ATC; and diverted to the nearest suitable airport where they evacuated the aircraft following an uneventful landing.