Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30.50; Flight Crew Type 7.6
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
The weather was VFR and clear. Winds were Calm. The purpose of the flight was for pleasure and trail dragger proficiency. Prior to the flight I reviewed the mechanical logs and learned of a squawk related to the fuel selector valve. I decided it would be prudent to review the squawk with the mechanic and front desk. They advised me that the squawk had been checked and verified that it was not an issue and the aircraft was airworthy. I did my pre-flight checks and checked the fuel selector valve. The engine started and operated normally. After receiving ATIS and clearance from ground I taxied to the run-up area. During the start-up I paid particular attention to the engine operation. I noticed no abnormalities during the run-up. I contacted the tower and asked for and received clearance for takeoff. In the initial climb out and crosswind turn I started to notice that I was losing power intermittently; about 300-500 RPM's. I was concerned that the airplane might lose power completely. As I turned downwind; it felt like the engine was being starved intermittently. I decided to continue in the pattern and land. I told the tower that I was having an issue with the plane and would like to land with a short approach. They gave me the choice of either runway and I was cleared to land. I landed towards the end of the runway. The landing was uneventful without any damage to the plane or myself. I asked the tower for clearance to taxi back to the FBO. They approved and I took the plane back and parked it.
Pilot reports renting a Citabria with a previous write up concerning the fuel selector and is assured by the desk that the selector has been checked and released by Maintenance. After takeoff intermittent power loss is noted and the pilot returns to the departure airport after notifying the Tower of his problem and intentions.