PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Student
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 14; Flight Crew Total 76; Flight Crew Type 73
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Evacuated; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure
I attempted to start my airplane. As I was following the checklist; I engaged the starter. The engine made a sound I would call a 'backfire' and I noticed black smoke coming from the front of the engine cowling. I initiated the 'Engine fire-Engine not running' procedure from the checklist but the fire did not go out. I exited the aircraft when the smoke started to enter the cockpit. I used a fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. I was able to get a water hose; push the aircraft in range of the hose; and extinguish the fire.
PA28 pilot reported an engine compartment fire during engine start.