Light Sport Aircraft
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12; Flight Crew Total 4518; Flight Crew Type 1039
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft
I was over departure end of runway when engine lost power and was running VERY rough. Coincidentally; at that point; Tower told me to change to Departure; but I said I needed to stay with Tower and return to land.  I entered a right down wind to [departure] runway; and we agreed I would land on [another runway] since I was already in a right base to the closer runway.  Tower asked if I wanted to [advise ATC].  Since engine was still VERY rough and I had no idea what it would do next; I answered that yes; I was [advising].  Tower cleared me to land; and I did. Crash trucks arrived; and their crews assured me that there was no fire; no smoke and no leaking fluids.  I started the engine again; taxied to the ramp; tied the airplane down and left it there until I could get a qualified mechanic to look at the engine.  An FAA licensed mechanic met me at the airplane [three days after]; and after several tests; disassembled the left carburetor and discovered a severely clogged jet. He cleaned the jet; reassembled the carb and engine ran normally. I flew it back to home airport that afternoon.
Pilot of light sport aircraft reported engine problems after takeoff resulted in a return to the field.