Nathan Young wrote:

How did it happen? I self-fuel frequently, and would like to avoid
the same thing.

My Bonanza has wingtip tanks and the caps of these tanks are about
chest-high for someone of average height. To fuel the tanks, I have to
hold the nozzle right about face level with the tip of the nozzle just
below the lip of the tank.

Due to the rather awkward position in which I was required to hold the
nozzle, I inadvertently lifted the nozzle just above and to the right of
the lip of the tank. The flowing fuel hit the lip and top of the tank,
then quickly splashed back at me.

To prevent this from happening again, I should use a step ladder so that
I am looking down, rather than level with the nozzle. I also need to
pay closer attention to the task instead of letting my mind wander as I
did.

I was impressed at how quickly the fuel evaporated, though. Despite
getting it all over my shirt, too, there was no detectable odor ten
minutes later. If it had been auto fuel, I would still reek today.

--
Peter