Narrative:

Passing through approximately eight thousand feet; a vibrating low-volume howl began to emanate from the first officers window. Within what seemed to be approximately a 3-4 second time lapse; this sound became completely unbearable. Communications with ATC as well as communications within the cockpit were extremely difficult; rendering the requirement for maximum volume selections and overhead cockpit speakers on and at maximum volume; to optimize our ability to discern ATC communications. Visual and physical inspections of the first officer window revealed that the window was properly secured. The window also had an accompanied vibration. The captain conducted excellent CRM utilization and leadership with all crew members. We determined that a continued flight would not only be detrimental to safety; but would also; and in short order; render permanent hearing damage to us all. All crew members determined that an immediate level off during our climb was needed; followed by communications with ATC regarding our need to return to [departure airport]; as well as the need for us to fuel dump to achieve a safe landing weight for the aircraft. During our eventual descent; we noticed that the extremely loud noise quickly dissipated close to the same altitude it began. All checklists were accomplished. Updated weather information and landing performance was gathered followed by appropriate briefings; to return to our departure airport. A successful landing was ensued with appropriate debriefs with local maintenance personnel whom later shared with us the degradation of the first officer window seal.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: MD11 flight crew experienced a loud squeal passing through 8;000 that continued to grow louder; making communication difficult. Crew elected to return to the departure airport after dumping fuel.

Narrative: Passing through approximately eight thousand feet; a vibrating low-volume howl began to emanate from the First Officers window. Within what seemed to be approximately a 3-4 second time lapse; this sound became completely unbearable. Communications with ATC as well as communications within the cockpit were extremely difficult; rendering the requirement for maximum volume selections and overhead cockpit speakers on and at maximum volume; to optimize our ability to discern ATC communications. Visual and physical inspections of the First Officer window revealed that the window was properly secured. The window also had an accompanied vibration. The Captain conducted excellent CRM utilization and leadership with all crew members. We determined that a continued flight would not only be detrimental to safety; but would also; and in short order; render permanent hearing damage to us all. All crew members determined that an immediate level off during our climb was needed; followed by communications with ATC regarding our need to return to [departure airport]; as well as the need for us to fuel dump to achieve a safe landing weight for the aircraft. During our eventual descent; we noticed that the extremely loud noise quickly dissipated close to the same altitude it began. All checklists were accomplished. Updated weather information and landing performance was gathered followed by appropriate briefings; to return to our departure airport. A successful landing was ensued with appropriate debriefs with local maintenance personnel whom later shared with us the degradation of the First Officer window seal.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.