What is the recommended action for an electrical fire in the cockpit?

• A. Initiate memory item actions to isolate the source, protect avionics, and secure electrical systems per the airplane’s abnormal procedures.
• B. Use water to extinguish the fire.
• C. Immediately power down all aircraft systems and land immediately.
• D. Open all circuit breakers to reset the electrical system.

Answer: (D)

When addressing an electrical fire in the cockpit, the priority is to quickly isolate the power source and secure the electrical system by following the airplane’s abnormal procedures and memory items. This approach limits the spread of the fire and protects vital avionics, while keeping the flow of essential functions as specified by the checklist. Water must not be used on an electrical fire, since it conducts electricity and can worsen the hazard. Opening or resetting circuit breakers to “clear” the fault is also inappropriate, because it can re-energize circuits and reignite the fire. The emphasis is on disciplined, memory-item actions to isolate and secure the affected system and then manage the situation toward a safe landing.