PA-28R Cherokee Arrow All Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 9; Flight Crew Total 3433; Flight Crew Type 155
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
The incident involved a planned flight was from ZZZ to ZZZ1. After preflighting; I started the aircraft at about XA:45pm and taxied out to the run-up area for an IFR departure on Runway XX. I picked up our clearance and accomplished the engine run-up; which was normal. The clearance was to fly heading 270; then direct ZZZ2; climb and maintain 3;000 ft. The takeoff roll was normal and initial climb out appeared normal until about 200-300 ft. when smoke started entering the cockpit via the pilot's side defrost vent. After noticing this; I informed my passenger; and started a tight crosswind turn; anticipating an immediate landing at ZZZ. I elected not to check in with ATC and handle them once I was on the ground. On downwind; I made sure that the defrost vents were closed. Smoke continued to enter. I then shutoff the master switch; thinking the smoke could be electrically related. Smoke continued. I then turned the master back on and extended the landing gear. Progressing from downwind to base to final; the smoke decreased and appeared to stop. We landed otherwise uneventfully on Runway XX. As we were exiting the runway; the engine began to run rough. Immediately after exiting the runway; the engine stopped running and smoke began billowing out of the cowl. We evacuated the aircraft.
A PA-28R pilot reported smoke in the cockpit shortly after takeoff and returned to the departure airport.