If it is single-stage, then it looks like the compressor suddenly starts consuming more power, who knows why, but then some kind of thermal or power protection cutoff in the controller stops it. Each time it tries to restart, it jumps to a much higher operating power level that it should and the same protection kicks in. Have seen a similar pattern with sump pumps that lock up.
I’m guessing that more AC-literate folks might have some theories on what could cause substantial added draw to a single-stage AC unit.