Date: 202006
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: IMC
Weather elements / visibility: Thunderstorm; Turbulence
Aircraft: EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Descent
Airspace: Class B ZZZ
ATC / advisory: TRACON ZZZ
Aircraft component: Generator Drive
Component problem: Failed
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; First Officer
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Second reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: We were level on the downwind of the ZZZZZ arrival when we I felt a small thump like a door closing. Approximately 1 minute later we received a call on the emergency line from the cabin with a report of smoke in the cabin. The Captain and I immediately donned oxygen masks; advised ATC; and began preparing for landing. Approximately 1 minute after the first report of smoke; we were presented with a GEN 3 FAIL message. This was followed approximately 1 minute later with a GEN 2/3 OFF BUS message.  I ran the QRH procedures per SOP.  On final; we were presented with an AP FAIL message.  The Captain hand flew the ILS XXL to minimums in heavy rain to a safe landing. We cleared at [taxiway] and set the brake. The Fire Department conducted an exterior inspection while the Captain went into the cabin to determine if an evacuation was required. After determining that we did not need to evacuate; we conducted an expedited taxi to [the] gate where all passengers were deplaned without incident.


Second narrative: On approach to ZZZ; First Officer felt a thump and later we found out the passengers heard a bang in the cabin that sounded like a door slamming. On downwind for [Runway] XXL at ZZZ Flight Attendant XX called the cockpit reporting smoke in the cabin and a smell like overheating electronics. Crew donned our oxygen masks and advised ATC. Shortly after Flight Attendant XX call we receive GEN 3 FAIL EICAS message. Crew communication was difficult due to the oxygen masks. During this event I tried several times to get a report of how much smoke was in the cabin. Flight Attendant XX reported smoke coming from one side of the plane floor then from the other side. He also stated it was getting hot in the cabin in different sections of the aircraft. Then we received GEN 2-3 OFF BUS Message. First Officer ran the QRH. On final during heavy rain we received AUTOPILOT FAIL Message. I hand flew down to minimums and landed. We stopped clear of the runway at [taxiway] and after setting parking brake I opened door to check for the presence of smoke. I then went into the cabin to access the situation. Following my inspection of the cabin; I spoke to CFR on ground frequency and they reported no sign of smoke or fire on the exterior of aircraft. After ensuring we were not on fire; I decided to deplane at the gate. We taxied to the gate and First Officer called Ramp telling them we need Ramp and gate agents waiting for us. I had First Officer call back and make sure they knew we were an inbound emergency aircraft and we needed them to be ready. We arrived at gate. A short time later the gate agent arrived; and we deplaned the passengers without incident or injury. I made an AML entry regarding the irregularity.


Synopsis: EMB-145 flight crew reported smoke and what appeared to be overheating of electronics; landed aircraft safely.