PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 1300; Flight Crew Type 300
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
While attempting an engine start; smoke was noticed coming from the cowling. I exited the aircraft and opened the cowling and noticed flames in the bottom of the cowling. Knowing the location of a nearby garden hose; I extinguished the fire with water. My guess is that the excess fuel came from the accelerator pump and the ignition source was a backfire from the engine. Damage was limited to bubbled paint on the cowling.
PA-28 pilot reported a fire in the engine compartment during engine start. Pilot extinguished fire with a nearby garden hose.