UPDATE: UFO Not Responsible for UK Wind Turbine Wreckage

February 11th, 2009 by Ariel Schwartz

In a news update that should surprise no one, officials now say that the destruction of a £1 million wind turbine in the UK last month was not caused by a UFO. Despite local reports of a “massive ball of light with tentacles going right down to the ground”, the turbine’s manufacturer believes that material fatigue is responsible for a 65 foot blade flying off the device.

According to Ecotricity’s website, the “interim report has concluded that bolts securing the blade to the hub of the turbine failed due to ‘material fatigue’. The bolts used to attached the blade to the hub of the turbine exhibited classic signs of fatigue failure.” Ecotricity owns the turbine farm in question.

The company plans on releasing the entire manufacturer’s report in a few weeks, at which point all conspiracy theories may or may not be put to rest.

Photo CC-Licensed by Flickr User Balakov









Appreciate CleanTechnica’s originality? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica member, supporter, or ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.

Sign up for our free daily newsletter or weekly newsletter to never miss a story.

Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest Cleantech Talk Episode