PA-28 flight instructor and student reported engine failure on departure; made an immediate return to the departure airport; and landed.
Synopsis
PA-28 flight instructor and student reported engine failure on departure; made an immediate return to the departure airport; and landed.
Narrative
Today at approximately XA:15 am; student pilot and I experienced an engine failure. He had performed a normal takeoff from Runway XX at ZZZ. He climbed to 700-800 ft. before turning crosswind. Approaching the downwind turn and 850 MSL ft; we experienced a large explosion from the engine. The left side of the windscreen was immediately covered with oil; and the cockpit began to fill with smoke. We also experienced a complete electrical failure at the same time. I had the student open the window and prepare for an opposite-direction landing. As soon as we turned in toward the runway; I remembered there was traffic landing Runway XX; so I began to think that the next best option would be to land opposite direction on Taxiway 1.At this point; I realized that I had some power and began to adjust it to see how much power I could produce (1800RPM). As I did this; I began to regain altitude and rejoin a left downwind for Runway XX. I proceeded to make a relatively normal approach to landing; securing the engine on base to final. We touched down near the 1;000 ft. markers and could roll almost completely clear of the runway. The aircraft was left at ZZZ in front of hangar in a tiedown spot. The ZZZ staff was very helpful in towing the plane from the taxiway to the tie-downs and provided us with any needed assistance. I left a written report with the staff at ZZZ.
Second reporter narrative
I experienced partial engine failure at ZZZ with my instructor. Turning crosswind; there was a sudden gust of wind that pushed us up quite a bit and then there was a huge boom. I noticed the plane was violently shaking and the next thing I know we lost all power. There was oil on the windshield and our engine was barely running but stayed at 1800 RPMs. My instructor immediately took controls and he flew the rest of the downwind; base; and final and continued to secure the engine by turning everything off once we were sure we would be able to land. Once we landed; we got help from the local FBO and they helped us take the plane off of the runway and secured it by tying it down.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.