PA-31 Navajo/Chieftan/Mojave/T1040
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 55; Flight Crew Total 1420; Flight Crew Type 360
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
While en-route on a VFR flight plan with flight following from Approach I noticed a persistent fuel smell in the cockpit. I told them I had a fuel smell in the cockpit and wanted to know the closest airport with ARFF and then did divert to that airport. ATC asked if I wanted to declare an emergency and I said yes because now I saw liquid dripping from behind the co-pilot's instrument panel. ATC provided me vectors and the ATIS at the airport even though the flight was in VMC conditions. After reviewing the emergency procedures I decided to make a normal landing and to the ramp rather than evacuate on the runway. Upon landing ARFF equipment followed me to the ramp as a precaution. I shut down and deplaned the passengers without further incident.
A PA31 pilot diverted under emergency conditions to the nearest suitable airport due to gas fumes and liquid leaks behind the instrument panel.