PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 236; Flight Crew Total 1632; Flight Crew Type 894
Confusion; Distraction; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Human Factors; Aircraft
I was taking off with full fuel on board and 3 passengers in a Piper Warrior. After a thorough pre-flight and startup; taxi and before takeoff checklist; I got the permission for takeoff. Rolling into the runway and adding power I confirmed all engine instruments were in the green and airspeed was alive. After liftoff with no runway remaining I experienced intermittent engine power. Immediately reported mayday to the Tower and began turning left. Based on the situation; I tried to troubleshoot anything I thought it could cause the engine problem while I had full control of the plane. I turned the carburetor heat on and confirmed my fuel pump was on and mixture set to rich. I got permission to land on any runway and kept pumping the throttle to keep the engine running. When I finished my turn towards RWY XX; I realized I was above the middle of the RWY and I would not be able to land on the RWY XX safely; so I made the decision to turn to RWY XY where I landed safely. After I landed I asked to do a quick run up to the engine so I can get an idea what was wrong. During my ground run up everything was working as it was supposed to work. I looked down to the fuel selector and I realized it was halfway between L and R tanks. Based on what I experienced I was almost sure that it was a fuel issue and the position of the fuel selector created the problem and I left the plane in ZZZ for further inspection by a professional mechanic. A few hours later when I relaxed and started putting things together; I recall asking my young student to make certain to remove his feet from the pedals once we obtained clearance for takeoff. After much thought my conclusion is that it is possible that my young student may have actuated the fuel selector accidentally during takeoff resulting in a fuel starvation situation. As a pilot I continually strive to make safe choices during every phase of flight and moving forward I have learned to expect the unexpected including keeping an even closer watch on all items both inside and outside the aircraft cabin.
PA-28 flight instructor reported a loss of engine power due to a misaligned fuel selector led to a return to the departure airport.