SR20
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors
I took off in a Cirrus SR-20. On climb out at 450 feet CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature) #1 shot up into the red with a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. I lowered the nose and reduced power to attempt to cool the engine down. After 30 seconds the CHT temperature started decreasing and went into the green. ATC issued a low altitude alert and asked about the slow climb rate. At the time all instruments were reading normal so I then slowly added some power and started a climb at 500ft/m. Approximately 45 secs later CHT was reading 500 degrees Fahrenheit again. I then asked to return to [departure airport]. At this time I also noticed a burning smell in the cockpit. I kept power level around 50% to maintain 700ft and proceeded to land.Suggestions: If I was in this situation again I would have immediately asked to return the first time a CHT read in the red.
Cirrus SR20 pilot reported returning to departure airport after experiencing high cylinder head temperature. While subsequently attempting to cool the engine; ATC issued a low altitude alert.