What happened
On 18 March 2003, a Piper PA-2-150 Caribbean, registration G-APTP, was conducting a flight to check aircraft systems prior to a scheduled annual inspection. During the initial climb, the pilot attempted to test the fuel transfer from the reserve tank to the right main tank. Shortly after activating the reserve fuel knob, a distinct smell of fuel became noticeable in the cockpit, prompting the pilot to immediately cease the transfer.
The pilot elected to land at his home airstrip, Roughay Farm. Upon landing, the smell of fuel intensified, and the pilot observed fuel dripping from the right side of the fuselage. After inspecting the interior, the pilot identified a leak originating from a rigid fuel pipe connecting the reserve tank pump to the right main tank strainer. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot used tape to temporarily stop the leak and then left the aircraft to retrieve draining equipment from his car.
While the pilot was preparing to drain the right main tank, the aircraft suddenly erupted in flames. The fire originated near the front of the cockpit and spread rapidly. Although the pilot escaped without injury, the aircraft was destroyed by the time fire services arrived.