B737 MAX 8 pilots reported after lift off a loud squeal developed on all communication systems. The crew was able to contact Dispatch through ACARS and get an ATC clearance to land at destination. The pilots communicated with the flight attendants verbally at the flight deck door. On the ground communications returned to normal.
Synopsis
B737 MAX 8 pilots reported after lift off a loud squeal developed on all communication systems. The crew was able to contact Dispatch through ACARS and get an ATC clearance to land at destination. The pilots communicated with the flight attendants verbally at the flight deck door. On the ground communications returned to normal.
Narrative
My First Officer and I operated Flight XXXX from ZZZ to ZZZ1. The very instant the main wheels came off the ground (weight off wheels/squat switch); an incredibly loud squeal came over the radios and intercom. We were unable to communicate with each other or ATC and went lost COMM. (Crew/flight info). We taxied out to Runway XXL. On the takeoff roll; as soon as the main wheels got airborne (weight off wheel/squat switch) we heard an incredibly loud squeal over the radios and intercom. It was the same loud squeal we hear when the Ramp plugs in a faulty headset. It was so loud; we were unable to hear ATC; communicate with each other over the intercom; or communicate with the Flight Attendants. We immediately used hand signals to communicate; raising the landing gear and flaps in accordance with AOM. As soon as we were clean and safely away from the ground; F/O (First Officer) turned right to 360; continued the climb to 4000 ft; engaged the autopilot; and we began troubleshooting. We tried unplugging each individual headset as well as unplugging both headsets and selecting the overhead speaker. We also tried selecting COMM 2. No matter what we did; the continuous loud squeal remained. So; we unplugged our headsets and began making all radio transmissions in the blind utilizing the hand-held microphone.We squawked XXXX and proceeded on our cleared route by going direct to ZZZZZ; and began our climb to FL 280. We sent Dispatch a message and had her coordinate with ATC to make sure we were cleared to FL 280. Dispatch also relayed our clearance to descend [and] cross ZZZZZ1 at 9000 ft; as well as our clearance to descend to 4000 ft and shoot the [approach for] Runway XYL. Dispatch also contacted ZZZ1 Tower and relayed our clearance to land.Because I was unable to verbally communicate with ATC or the Flight Attendants; I determined this could develop into a safety of flight incident; so I began looking for ways to lower this risk. Because the QRH does not addresses this scenario; in accordance with AOM; I told F/O I'd like to pull the CB (Circuit Breaker) to COMM 1 and then COMM 2 to see if we could get rid of the squeal. She agreed it was worth a try. In accordance with AOM; I first pulled the CB to COMM 1. We plugged our headsets back in; but the squeal remained. So; I reset the CB to COMM 1 and then pulled the CB to COMM 2; but the squeal remained.At cruise; the Flight Attendants called us. Since I was unable to communicate with them; I got up out of my seat; looked through the peephole; and opened the door. I told them what was going on; asked them to secure the cabin; and give me two chimes when they were seated. They complied with this and later gave me two chimes to let me know they were seated. F/O and I briefed the [arrival] to XYL; then completed the Descent and Approach Checklist. After landing on XYL; we cleared the runway and came to a stop. I called Tower on my cell phone and received our clearance to taxi to Gate. After pulling into the gate; I made two logbook write-Ups; contacted Dispatch; talked to the Chief Pilot on Call; Company; and the local ZZZ1 Chief Pilot.Got an extremely loud squeal over the radios and ICS (Intercommunication Systems) and went lost COMM. All of our aircraft need to be retrofitted with SATCOM or HF.
Second reporter narrative
I was the Pilot Flying. On liftoff I encountered an incredibly loud squeal in my headset. I was unsure if the Captain was hearing it too. I yelled to him that I couldn't hear anything. He nodded too. Using hand signals we cleaned up the aircraft and turned to our assigned heading. We then turned the autopilot on and tried to troubleshoot. We tried both radios; unplugging headsets and using the speaker. Captain then pulled and reset COMM 1 circuit breaker. That didn't work so we tried pulling COMM 2 circuit breaker. Nothing worked. We discussed what course of action we should take; return to ZZZ or proceed. We decided to squawk XXXX and proceed on our assigned route. Captain contacted Dispatch to relay to Center our intentions. She coordinated for us clearances to fly the arrival [for] Runway XXL at ZZZ1 and clearance to land. We landed uneventfully. We cleared the runway and the Captain called Tower on his cell phone for taxi instructions. I plugged my headset back in and the radio was working normally. I called Ground and let them know our radios were working at that point. [It had been] NORDO from takeoff to landing in ZZZ1.Maybe we should train or review NORDO Procedures. The loud squeal was very distracting during a critical phase of flight. Then trying to troubleshoot and determine a course of action and having to coordinate with Dispatch for all clearances added to our task load on a short flight.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.