hi inquisitor
your description i can easily follow and can understand how that could be possible. ( i am well versed in motor/generator theory).
mind me asking which type this defect was on and how the system was monitored?
AFAIK (would have to go back and look at my training notes) each individual phase of the 777 is monitored so if 1 is missing then the gen is switched off - would have to confirm this tho.