The pilot reported that, as the outside air temperature was 1°C and this was the first flight of the day, the engine required priming prior to start. This was accomplished by operating the primer five consecutive times. The starter was then operated on three occasions, after which the pilot recalled seeing smoke and decided to evacuate the aircraft. All occupants evacuated successfully and there were no injuries. The fire service attended and extinguished the fire.

The pilot considered that she may have over-primed the engine leading to ignition of the excess fuel in the exhaust.