Source: Simon Hradecky | www.avherald.com

A Central Mountain Air de Havilland Dash 8-100, registration C-GNCJ performing flight 9M-8016 from Smithers,BC to Dease Lake,BC (Canada) with 26 passengers and 3 crew, was about 15 minutes into the trip when the flight attendant advised the flight crew of smoke in the cabin. The crew declared PAN PAN and returned to Smithers for a safe landing. The occupants deplaned rapidly. Subsequent examination found that the heat source no longer existed.

The Canadian TSB reported a maintenance inspection found a light bulb in an overhead locker showed evidence of electrical arcing and overheat.