A B737-700 number 2 generator alerted source off; then drive followed by a burning rubber or plastic...

Narrative:

During cruise; had apparent number 2 generator failure; saw source off light followed by drive light. While running the checklists; we noticed an odor like burning rubber or plastic; and the flight attendants reported the same throughout the cabin. We donned the masks/goggles and continued checklists to include smoke/fumes on the aircraft. We declared the emergency and diverted to a nearby airport. The fumes/odor remained but did not increase; and no smoke was seen at any time. Decent and landing were normal; and after fire crews checked us out externally; we taxied to the gate.I don't believe we made any significant errors in handling this event; but the major issue was with the O2 mask/goggles (single combined unit in this aircraft) and communications and coordination. I don't believe the fumes warranted goggles; but it was not an option in this case. Glare and reduced visibility with the goggles hindered us a bit in checklist switchology. And of course communication inside and outside the cockpit was cumbersome and slow. I would have liked to make a reassuring PA informing the passengers of our situation; but I felt maxed out; so I had the flight attendant do it. As far as the divert; I accepted clearance to a point on the arrival which had to be programmed; but I should have requested vectors. Post-flight; we were replaced with pilots; a good choice even though we felt we could continue. Then we agreed to deadhead. A better choice would have been to go to the hotel and deadhead the next day. This would have avoided a number of hassles and a very long; late duty day; and given us better crew rest. A couple of suggestions: continue to have us practice with the masks in training; that limited exposure was helpful. [One should] request vectors to simplify the situation. After a stressful event like this; hang it up and go to the hotel.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B737-700 Number 2 Generator alerted SOURCE OFF; then DRIVE followed by a burning rubber or plastic odor. Smoke masks with integrated goggles were donned; an emergency declared and the flight diverted to a nearby airport. All communications were difficult.

Narrative: During cruise; had apparent Number 2 Generator failure; saw SOURCE OFF light followed by DRIVE light. While running the checklists; we noticed an odor like burning rubber or plastic; and the flight attendants reported the same throughout the cabin. We donned the masks/goggles and continued checklists to include smoke/fumes on the aircraft. We declared the emergency and diverted to a nearby airport. The fumes/odor remained but did not increase; and no smoke was seen at any time. Decent and landing were normal; and after fire crews checked us out externally; we taxied to the gate.I don't believe we made any significant errors in handling this event; but the major issue was with the O2 mask/goggles (single combined unit in this aircraft) and communications and coordination. I don't believe the fumes warranted goggles; but it was not an option in this case. Glare and reduced visibility with the goggles hindered us a bit in checklist switchology. And of course communication inside and outside the cockpit was cumbersome and slow. I would have liked to make a reassuring PA informing the passengers of our situation; but I felt maxed out; so I had the flight attendant do it. As far as the divert; I accepted clearance to a point on the arrival which had to be programmed; but I should have requested vectors. Post-flight; we were replaced with pilots; a good choice even though we felt we could continue. Then we agreed to deadhead. A better choice would have been to go to the hotel and deadhead the next day. This would have avoided a number of hassles and a very long; late duty day; and given us better crew rest. A couple of suggestions: Continue to have us practice with the masks in training; that limited exposure was helpful. [One should] request vectors to simplify the situation. After a stressful event like this; hang it up and go to the hotel.

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.

Attributes
ACN	1185694
Time
Date	201407
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Night
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B737-700
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Generator Drive
Person 1
Function	Captain
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor

A B737-700 number 2 generator alerted source off; then drive followed by a burning rubber or plastic odor. Smoke masks with integrated goggles were donned; an emergency declared and the flight diverted to a nearby airport. All communications were difficult.