An MD80 flight crew experienced an electrical system anomaly that resulted in loss of both pfds and ...

Narrative:

At about 1600 ft MSL after takeoff; the aircraft electrical system cycled rapidly and then off; with audible relay clicking. At the same time; both pilots lost both pfd and nd and it was impossible to transmit or receive on the communications radio. After a quick glance at the overhead panel we were unable to quickly determine the source of the problem; and the APU was started. I was flying primarily on the standby instruments at this time. Once the APU came up and on the line; we regained the radios and informed departure we had a major electrical problem and that we were unable to navigate the RNAV departure. We also informed departure of our intent to return. I also declared an emergency because of the overweight landing; as well as the loss of navigational ability also requested assistance from crash fire rescue equipment. Flight attendants were briefed; and the passengers notified of our return. We were given vectors and a shot a visual approach. Touchdown weight 141;800 pounds and the touchdown was smooth; less than 300 ft rate of descent. We rolled to the end of the runway and had crash fire rescue equipment standby as we monitored our brake temperatures. Brake temperatures never rose above 200. I notified dispatch that we were on the ground safely after declaring an emergency. We then taxied to the gate under our power; and changed equipment to continue to our destination.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An MD80 flight crew experienced an electrical system anomaly that resulted in loss of both PFDs and NDs; plus communication radios. They started the APU and regained normal operation; but decided to declare an emergency and return to departure airport.

Narrative: At about 1600 FT MSL after takeoff; the aircraft electrical system cycled rapidly and then off; with audible relay clicking. At the same time; both pilots lost both PFD and ND and it was impossible to transmit or receive on the communications radio. After a quick glance at the overhead panel we were unable to quickly determine the source of the problem; and the APU was started. I was flying primarily on the standby instruments at this time. Once the APU came up and on the line; we regained the radios and informed departure we had a major electrical problem and that we were unable to navigate the RNAV departure. We also informed departure of our intent to return. I also declared an emergency because of the overweight landing; as well as the loss of navigational ability also requested assistance from CFR. Flight Attendants were briefed; and the passengers notified of our return. We were given vectors and a shot a visual approach. Touchdown weight 141;800 LBS and the touchdown was smooth; less than 300 FT rate of descent. We rolled to the end of the runway and had CFR standby as we monitored our brake temperatures. Brake temperatures never rose above 200. I notified Dispatch that we were on the ground safely after declaring an emergency. We then taxied to the gate under our power; and changed equipment to continue to our destination.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.

Attributes
ACN	851415
Time
Date	200909
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Initial Climb
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Electrical Distribution Busbar
Person 1
Function	Pilot Flying Captain
Person 2
Function	First Officer Pilot Not Flying
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Deviation - Track / Heading All Types

An MD80 flight crew experienced an electrical system anomaly that resulted in loss of both pfds and nds; plus communication radios. They started the APU and regained normal operation; but decided to declare an emergency and return to departure airport.