Incident Description
The pilot reported that he had picked up his airplane after an annual inspection that morning. He flew home to Delhi for a short stop, then proceeded to Monroe Airport for avionics repairs. After the work was completed, he departed for Delhi. During departure, at about 2000 feet above ground level and 5 miles from the departure airport, the pilot detected an odor similar to an electrical burnout. He determined the smell was coming from outside and continued flight.
Approximately 45 seconds later, a flame ignited from behind the fuel selector valve. The pilot immediately executed a 180-degree turn and attempted to contact Monroe approach on the radio, but the radios were inoperable. On short final approach for landing, the pilot opened the passenger door, which snuffed out the flame.
Post-Accident Findings
After landing, maintenance personnel discovered two loose wires next to a hole in the fuel line. Gasoline was observed running out of the fuselage onto the ramp. The carry-through spar required replacement due to thermal damage.