What was found
PRIOR TO TAKEOFF ON ENGINE RUN-UP, AIRCRAFT LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER, STARTER SOLENOID STAYED ENGAGED. THE ENGINE RAN THE STARTER, CAUSED A REVERSE CURRENT FLOW TO THE BATTERY. BATTERY FAILED, SMOKE FROM UNDER THE COWLING. STARTER SOLENOID LOCATED ON THE FIRE WALL. SUBMITTER STATED AIRCRAFT IS FABRIC COVERED. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE IN THE ENGINE AREA. (X)