Incident Summary
While cruising at 2,000 feet, the pilot detected fuel fumes in the cockpit and decided to perform a precautionary landing. Once within gliding distance of the airport, the pilot secured the engine using the mixture control and executed an uneventful deadstick landing.
Post-Landing Fire
After exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed fuel dripping from the lower engine cowling in the vicinity of the carburetor. The pilot then opened an excess (access) door, at which point flames erupted within the engine compartment. The aircraft subsequently became completely engulfed in fire.
Maintenance History
The pilot, who is also an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, had performed the last 100-hour inspection in April 1983. During that inspection, the pilot found that the fuel supply line was loose at the carburetor and had been tightened.
Examination Findings
The day after the accident, the aircraft was examined. The fuel supply line was found no longer connected to the carburetor inlet fitting. Additionally, the #3 cylinder exhaust pipe was broken away from the right side end plate of the muffler, providing a possible source of ignition for any fuel leaking in the engine compartment.