Dash 8-300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Evacuated
Aircraft; Human Factors
We were descending for landing when I smelled an odor in the airplane. I then noticed the Captain's side IVSI was blank which I initially associated with the odor. I put my mask on then my First Officer put his mask on. I [advised] Approach. I briefed my Flight Attendant; then the Flight Attendant started to search for a source of the odor in the crew closet and lavatory area. I then began the AIRCRAFT FIRE or SMOKE checklist. I determined the odor was from an unknown source because at this time the IVSI was back to normal. I followed the checklist to 'Electrical.' The checklist turns off the DC Gens AC Gens AUX BATT MAIN BATT and EMER LIGHTS. I did turn off the DC Gens then looked forward in the checklist and realized I was going to lose important equipment especially while IMC and already planning for an RNAV approach. I called my Flight Attendant who did not find an odor and reported everything was 'normal.' At this time I went back in the checklist to KNOWN SOURCE - FLIGHTDECK. There was not an active fire I followed the checklist to LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE. We landed and parked then hustled the passengers off the airplane. Throughout the incident there was never the sight of smoke.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
DHC8-300 Captain detected the odor of hot electrical wiring during descent for landing. The Flight Attendant was notified and advised there was no odor in the cabin and the checklist indicates to land as soon as practical; which was accomplished.