Cessna 172 flight instructor and student reported an engine malfunction on a training flight at night while practicing landings. The instructor coordinated with ATC and landed safely.
Synopsis
Cessna 172 flight instructor and student reported an engine malfunction on a training flight at night while practicing landings. The instructor coordinated with ATC and landed safely.
Narrative
I am a flight student (PPL and Instrument rated) finishing my commercial rating. As part of my commercial requirement; I am required to complete ten landings at a towered airport at night. On Day 0; accompanied by my Flight Instructor; I was completing these landings at ZZZ in a Skyhawk 172 P.Because of the amount of traffic coming into ZZZ (one of the busiest cargo airports in the world); the ZZZ Tower controller moved us between RWY XX (at ZZZ) and RWY XY (at ZZZ1 - still controlled by ZZZ Tower and right next to ZZZ); to complete our night-time landings. After eight landings; I was on the left down-wind leg; preparing to land on RWY XY (ZZZ1); when we heard a sudden; very loud; and audible 'pop;' after which the engine began to run rough; and our oil pressure began to drop. As soon as this happened; my Flight Instructor and I did a positive hand-off of controls (meaning; my Flight Instructor took controls). We called ZZZ Tower and asked to land on RWY XX (ZZZ) instead of RWY XY (ZZZ1) because the ZZZ RWY is 8000 ft longer than RWY XY at ZZZ1; and we wanted some extra distance; in the event our hydraulic system (which controls our breaks) failed. To be clear; when talking to ZZZ Tower; we did NOT [request priority handling]; we simply mentioned that we were experiencing engine roughness and requested to land on a longer RWY. ZZZ Tower moved us to the longer RWY without issue (ZZZ RWY XX) and without impacting incoming or outgoing traffic. During all phases of flight; we maintained positive control of the aircraft. Based on how the engine was running; we estimated it might be a cylinder issue; so we reduced power; flew straight to the numbers; and landed without incident. We taxied over to the transient area; notified the airport manager and our flight school; and also called an organization to ensure no formal incident report was needed (they confirmed no formal report was required since [we did not request priority handling]; and we maintained positive control of the aircraft at all times). The outcome: After maintenance conducted their review and repairs; we learned that a cracked #4 cylinder caused the engine roughness and sudden oil and oil pressure loss.
Second reporter narrative
I am a CFI/CFII who works at Company. On Day 0; I began a night flight with my student pilot (working on their commercial rating) out of ZZZ. To meet the requirements of my student's training; we needed to complete landings at an airport with an operating control tower. This time of year; the only operating control tower nearby is at ZZZ1. We departed ZZZ and flew to ZZZ1. The Tower gave us two landings on Runway XX; and asked if we could switch to Runway XY at ZZZ2 due to high volume of incoming traffic at ZZZ1. After 6 landings on Runway XY at ZZZ2; we were in a climb into the left downwind when a loud pop erupted from the engine. The engine noticeably began running rough; and I did a positive exchange of flight controls with my student. In the downwind; I reduced engine power and quickly evaluated whether we could make it to the ZZZ1 Runway XX since it was much better lit and a more ideal runway to land on if possible. On the ZZZ Tower frequency; I requested Runway XX due to engine issues. They asked if I was [requesting priority handling] or if I needed any assistance. I felt comfortable gliding to Runway XX at ZZZ1 with the altitude we had and with the remaining engine power. I told ZZZ1 Tower we were NOT [requesting priority handling] and did not need further assistance. ZZZ1 Tower cleared us to land on Runway XX as there was no conflicting traffic inbound or outbound to Runway XX. I flew the aircraft direct to the numbers; successfully and safely landed the aircraft; and requested permission to taxi to parking at ZZZ2. After shutting down the engine; I called the airport manager at ZZZ1 to inform them that we had leaked some oil during the landing and taxi. I informed my flight school management who came onsite the following morning to fix the aircraft and fly it back to ZZZ. I did reach out to an organization to ensure that no formal incident report was necessary. They confirmed that no report was necessary since [we did not request priority handing]; no incoming/outgoing traffic at ZZZ1 was diverted; and positive control of the aircraft was maintained at all times.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.