Date: 201302
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Weather elements / visibility: 10
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Operator: Personal
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: None
Mission: Ferry / Re-Positioning
Flight phase: Parked
Aircraft component: Engine
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Personal
Reporter function: Single Pilot
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Student
Human factors: Confusion; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Training / Qualification
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: Pre-flight
Result: Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: I was participating in the Flying Club airplane wash party and I volunteered to drive down to where a C172 was parked and taxi it back to the wash pad. I did a brief walk around of the plane; removed all tie-downs and prepared the plane for taxi. Following the cold-start checklist I primed the plane and cranked the starter. The plane exhibited it's usually difficulty in starting when cold which caused me to crank the starter for multiple lengthy attempts (the plane's behavior was very similar to what I had experienced both with my CFI and on my solo flights). After several unsuccessful attempts to start the plane the battery began to show signs of running down; as evident by a slower turning speed of the engine starter. At this point I stopped attempting to start the plane in order to allow the battery to recover a bit and allow the starter to cool. While sitting there I noticed smoke coming from the engine cowling. I had already shut down the plane (master switch; keys) and exited the plane to investigate the source of the smoke. Once outside I observed both smoke and a small amount of flame coming from the engine compartment. I shut off the fuel valve; dialed 911; requested the fire department and then searched the inside of the plane for a fire extinguisher; but did not find one. I then removed as many items as I could from the cabin. While I was removing items; the engine began cranking on its own (no keys in the ignition). I rushed to re-secure the rear tie down to prevent the plane from moving and then stood clear. As this was going on; another member of the Flying Club arrived and deployed a small fire extinguisher from his vehicle. The fire extinguisher had a positive effect on the engine fire; but did not fully extinguish it. The fire department then arrived and extinguished the remaining fire. Once the fire was extinguished; the battery was disconnected and secured. The wing tie downs were replaced and the cabin door locked.

Callback: The Reporter stated that having flown this aircraft before he had previously been successful starting the engine after an extended start cycle. In this event; after an unsuccessful start and after seeing the smoke; he turned the Master Switch and Key OFF then after exiting the aircraft realized because the latches could not be released he was helpless. The engine was well into the fire when it began cranking on its own. He does not know what the actual cause of the fire or the auto-cranking was but assumed that some wiring melted which caused starter wires to short.



Synopsis: After a C172 would not start; the Student Pilot noticed smoke from the cowling so turned the Master Switch and key OFF then upon exiting the aircraft saw an engine compartment fire. He called 911 and while waiting for the fire department the engine began cranking with no key installed.