Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Troubleshooting; Workload; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
At 400'-500' after takeoff I observed a decrease in engine RPM and asked my student if he had reduced power; to which he answered 'NO'. I then felt substantial; abnormal vibration and engine sputter. I decided to transfer controls from the student to me; and then proceeded to turn back to the airport. I kept a slight climb with the engine power available until landing back at the airport was assured. I ran the engine fail/power loss in-flight checklist and contacted ATC when there was an opportunity. The checklist was completed and the only change made was that the electric fuel pump was turned on and stayed on throughout the completion of the landing. No change in engine performance occurred from the electric fuel pump being turned on. I prepared for landing on runway XX; keeping the option open for runway XYL. There was an aircraft exiting the runway on YXR (opposite XYL) which caused the delay in decision. With sufficient time and altitude available I decided upon runway XYL and confirmed this decision with the tower controller. During the roll out after touchdown; the right main tire deflated at a controlled rate (not a blowout) and I was unable to taxi off the runway. The engine remained in operation but idled rough upon stopping. I confirmed that we could not exit the runway and I shut the aircraft down. Airport operations and crash fire rescue arrived and confirmed that myself and the student were not injured and no further danger was anticipated. There was no damage to the aircraft and no additional incident occurred. The aircraft was towed off the runway.
C172 instructor reported a partial loss of power shortly after takeoff; resulting in an immediate return to the departure airport.