PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 142; Flight Crew Total 352; Flight Crew Type 330
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Departed ramp and taxied to Runway 4. Arrived at runway 4 run-up area and performed pre-flight run-up. All indications were satisfactory and within limitations. Taxied out of run-up area to the hold short line of Runway 4. Received takeoff clearance from Runway 4 and proceeded to taxi onto runway at which point full power was added and a takeoff was initiated. Another check of the instruments was done as required and all were within limitations; RPMs were 2400; and airspeed was rising steadily. After rotation at approximately 200 feet a loud bang came from the engine compartment that sounded like the engine backfiring but normal operation continued. Upon reaching approximately 400 feet engine power loss began. Engine power dropped by about 400-500 RPMs to approximately 2000 RPMs. After the initial drop; RPMs rose by about 200 RPMs to 2200 RPMs. However; following the rise; the engine RPMs dropped in and out ranging from 200 RPM drops to 1000 RPM drops. At this point a sufficient climb was unable to be maintained due to loss of power. Tower was contacted and a request to return to the opposite direction runway (Runway 22) was made. Tower cleared all traffic from the runway and gave priority handling to us. At that point a landing was made on Runway 22. Due to excessive braking from landing on a shortened runway (only about 50% of runway was remaining at touchdown; about 2;000 feet) and a tailwind of 12 knots gusting to 19 knots the right main gear tire became worn but did not blow out. There was however a large flat spot on the tire. After making the landing; turned off the runway and returned to ramp where a secondary run-up was performed. The only noticeable problem was that when checking the right magneto a popping noise was made followed by a drop of 200-300 RPMs; but would then rise and steadily maintain an RPM setting within limitations (approximately 100 RPMs below RPM setting for run-up). Incident was reported to maintenance for further review. No damage was done to the aircraft and the instructor pilot did all flying after the initial engine power loss was observed. Student pilot and observing passenger were onboard the aircraft.
PA28 instructor pilot reported loss of engine power shortly after takeoff; resulting in a turn back to land at departure airport.