Operator of Basscat was tournament fishing in Ginger Bay on KY Lake.

He cranked up the outboard and noticed the engine running at a fast idle.  Before he could turn the motor off, there was an explosion which resulted in the cowling flying 4-5 feet in the air on fire and landed in the water.   The outboard motor continued to burn until it was extinguished using fire extinguisher.  

There were no injuries

Photographs of the damage was examined  by marine technician of Dover Marine.   He states the probable cause of the fire is a fuel leak that found an ignition source.
DOVER                         