B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure
Shortly after we started on our Oceanic Track; the right generator failed with all associated EICAS messages and system failures. We followed the QRH procedures and right generator came back on line. The right bus isolation switch was still illuminated including right recirculation fan; both utility buses and left Engine Electronic Control (EEC). We also had numerous EICAS messages. We then completed QRH procedures for BUS off; left EEC inoperative and started the APU as a precaution. This was the third time in less than a week the right generator had tripped so this problem had not been taken care of. We then contacted Center; informed them about our situation and that we might turn back but first we were going to contact Dispatch and Maintenance Control for advice. This was done on HF which is a challenge and after a brief conversation we decided to divert to the next available suitable airport. This decision was made because this problem had occurred twice previously; we had degraded conditions in cockpit and cabin and problems communicating on HF. We flew to lands end and entered holding to burn off fuel so we would land at or below maximum landing weight. We landed with no further incidents.
The flight crew of a trans-oceanic B757-200 flight experienced the loss of the right generator shortly after coasting out westbound. Because failure of the generator was a chronic issue and because of degraded cockpit; communication and cabin systems they opted to turn back and divert to an appropriate foriegn airport.