A PA32 pilot reported rough running engine on initial climb and return to departure airport.

Date: 2025-07 · Aircraft: PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X · Phase: initial_climb

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical

Synopsis

A PA32 pilot reported rough running engine on initial climb and return to departure airport.

Narrative

After receiving a call from my wife that I needed to get home to help take care of my newborn daughter I rush thru my pre takeoff run up and neglected to do a full run up before takeoff. This is something I never do and will never do again. After getting my clearance for takeoff; I held the position on centerline ran up to 2000 rpm's did a visual scan of all engine indications; which were well inside limitations; and released brakes. I slowly advanced the throttle to full power. After rotation and at a safe altitude I began my turn as instructed 260 degrees. Halfway thru the turn and exaggerated backfire sound was felt and a slight power loss. At first; I didn't know what was going on and decided to shallow my climb and increase airspeed. A glance down to my EGT's and it looked like #5 cylinder was indicating much higher temperature than the rest. I decided to level off and initially thought to pull back power but decide against it because I wanted to continue to build airspeed. Tower asked for me to transition to departure and I hesitated and told them that I needed to return back to the airport. They asked if I need emergency services and again; I hesitated initially said no but not knowing the full extent of my situation I asked for them to roll the trucks. I landed; taxied to the ramp normally and under my own power and shut down without incident. No damage observed.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.