SR20
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
Shortly after our hand off to Departure CHT 3 shot up 200 degrees into the red instantly with a concurrent small engine 'knock' and slight power loss. I immediately took flying duties from the PUI; reduced power and started heading back towards the field. I informed ATC of our need to return and they cleared us for whatever runway we needed. We entered a normal left downwind for 9L and landed without incident.
SR20 instructor pilot reported the engine experienced a sudden number three cylinder head temperature increase with an associated knock shortly after departure. Instructor elected to return to the airport of origin and landed without incident.