B737-400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting; Distraction; Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On takeoff; at wheel lift off; a momentary loss of electrical power for approximately 3-4 seconds occurred. At same time a loud 'clicking' sound from an electrical relay at the top of the P-18 Panel was heard. All the cockpit instrumentation and other lights on the flight deck were completely out (no Standby AC/DC power observed.) It was dark enough that I could not observe whether the instruments were actually operating; but light enough that the aircraft continued takeoff climb by outside visual reference. No other warnings; aural or visual occurred. The electrical power and instrument lighting was restored when the relay 'clicking' sound stopped. After analyzing the electrical system's status and reviewing applicable QRH procedures; and observing nothing abnormal; I continued the climb and routing VFR to destination. The electrical 'gremlin' did not return; but the flight remained in VFR conditions with enroute VFR alternates monitored. I informed Dispatch via ACARS and he relayed from maintenance no electrical history of that nature; reported maintenance entry occurrence to maintenance on arrival.
A B737-400 electrical system failed at lift off for 3-4 second and then returned to normal so the flight continued to the filed destination with systems apparently normal.