PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 44; Flight Crew Total 434; Flight Crew Type 224
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Performed engine run-up with engine indications within limits. Took off on runway XX at ZZZ. Noted low fuel pressure but still within limits during takeoff roll; aircraft had been sent to maintenance about that issue in the recent past but maintenance could not replicate the problem. During initial climb fuel pressure still on the lower limit. At 600 ft. MSL the engine started to run rough. Pilot in Command tried to troubleshoot the problem by changing the fuel tanks; verifying the electric fuel pump was on; turning carburetor heat on; and setting the mixture to the full rich position. Revolutions per Minute decreased and PIC (Pilot in Command) noted fuel pressure was on the lower limit. Aircraft started to lose altitude and because of proximity to the ground; PIC decided to turn back to the airport; as it was briefed during the Takeoff Briefing. PIC determined that entering a right traffic pattern for runway XX at ZZZ was not possible due to low altitude and partial loss of power. PIC [requested priority handling] due to power loss and advised ATC of intentions to land on runway XYL and established a final for runway XYL. Landing clearance on runway XYL was received from ATC; and landed safely on runway XYL. Engine still ran rough even on the ground; and fuel pressure always remained on the low limit. After shutdown; maintenance inspected the engine and pointed out that the fuel pump was not operating; leading to the suspicion that it was the probable cause of the problem. Will not accept abnormal engine indications in the future; even if they are within the established limits; and will take a few more moments to assess and troubleshoot the situation to decide the best course of action.
PA-28 pilot reported engine roughness shortly after takeoff.