Narrative:

While enroute; I began to experience communication radio failure. It started as heavy persistent static; similar to having the squelch pulled out. It then changed into the microphone being stuck. While attempting to troubleshoot this problem; I noticed that my ELT was activated. I reset the ELT and it remained inactive. I then decided to change my squawk code to 7600. As I looked down to do this I noticed that my alternator was not charging. I attempted to address this by cycling the field switch and the alternator circuit breaker; which had not tripped. At this point; with multiple failures; I decided that it was unwise to continue on. The nearest airport to me was where I chose to land. I kept my squawk code of 7600 and descended to pattern altitude where I circled the tower; looking for light gun signals. None were seen. I scanned the approach ends of both runways for traffic and set up for a left downwind. I landed and taxied over to the FBO. Once inside; I called the tower to explain myself to them.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: BE-35 Pilot reported experiencing a communications radio failure resulting in diverting to a nearby airport.

Narrative: While enroute; I began to experience communication radio failure. It started as heavy persistent static; similar to having the squelch pulled out. It then changed into the microphone being stuck. While attempting to troubleshoot this problem; I noticed that my ELT was activated. I reset the ELT and it remained inactive. I then decided to change my squawk code to 7600. As I looked down to do this I noticed that my alternator was not charging. I attempted to address this by cycling the field switch and the alternator circuit breaker; which had not tripped. At this point; with multiple failures; I decided that it was unwise to continue on. The nearest airport to me was where I chose to land. I kept my squawk code of 7600 and descended to pattern altitude where I circled the tower; looking for light gun signals. None were seen. I scanned the approach ends of both runways for traffic and set up for a left downwind. I landed and taxied over to the FBO. Once inside; I called the Tower to explain myself to them.

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.