Incident Details
During a night flight in instrument meteorological conditions with clouds and light rain, the pilot reported that the airplane was in level flight when he observed a sudden flash or spark. This was followed by fire emanating from behind the instrument panel on the right side of the cockpit.
Pilot Actions
In response to the fire, the pilot turned the master switch off in an attempt to eliminate the electrical source. The cabin subsequently filled with smoke. According to the pilot, the fire gradually subsided and went out mostly on its own.
The pilot proceeded to make a landing at Beckley, West Virginia, which he described as uneventful.
Post-Flight Inspection
Maintenance personnel who examined the aircraft reported that the fire damage was extensive enough to preclude a positive determination of the fire's source.