Baron 58/58TC
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 1750; Flight Crew Type 300
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During my climb from ZZZ; I began to smell fuel in the cockpit. I asked Departure how far I was from the airport. I was planning to turn back to the airport. Controller suggested I land at ZZZ1 which was eight miles closer. I told him I thought it was okay and wanted to proceed to ZZZ. Shortly after; I see fuel start to drip from the cockpit panel to the floor. I then decided to land at ZZZ1 where I was on a short right base to Runway XX. I landed and was instructed to taxi to a safe area to exit the aircraft. When I shut it down; I had the fire extinguisher ready and door open. I shut down the aircraft and turned off everything including the fuel valves. Fire department and paramedics checked the aircraft and myself to make sure everything was safe. After they checked it out; we moved the aircraft. The fuel leak was coming from the steam gauge fuel line which is going to be replaced.
BE58 pilot reported a fuel leak from the interior panel resulted in divert.