Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 500; Flight Crew Type 310
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
After completing our run-up and getting clearance for takeoff; my student and I took off and getting vectored for some practice instrument approaches. Around 600 feet during our initial climb we had a sudden power loss (roughly 600 rpm drop) associated with severe engine roughness. I immediately took control from my student and made a turn back. During my turn back I informed the tower of the situation and told him our intention was to return for an immediate landing. He asked which runway we would like; I replied a short approach to 35R. About midfield we started smelling smoke (burning oil) we immediately turned short final and landed. Tower asked if we needed any assistance and where we would be parking. I told them no and parking at Alpha ramp. I never received a number to follow up with the tower. After parking the airplane we noticed severe oil loss and oil was covering the bottom side of the aircraft. There was no injuries or any damage to anything (besides the engine).
C172 instructor experienced a power loss and a rough running engine at 600 feet AGL on departure with the student flying. A downwind entry to a visual approach is planned; but when hot oil smells begin entering the cockpit a short approach is accomplished successfully.