Wind turbine downed by... wind
From the UK
Telegraph:
Wind turbine collapses in high wind
The �250,000 tower, which stood as tall as a six storey building, was hit by gale force gusts of 50mph.
The structure then collapsed at a farm in Bradworth, Devon, leaving a "mangled wreck".
Margaret Coles, Chairwoman of Bradworthy District Council, said hail storms and strong winds have hit the area and the turbine, installed just three years ago, simply could not withstand the wind.
"The bolts on the base could not withstand the wind and as we are a very windy part of the country they [the energy company] have egg on their face," she said. "There are concerns about safety."
The Bradworthy Parish Council, who opposed the turbine, expressed concern that there was �nothing exceptional� in the speed of the winds.
Installed by renewable energy company Dulas it was supposed to have a life expectancy of 25 years.
50MPH is not that strong -- we routinely get gusts to 60MPH. Major design flaw -- didn't they do a site survey for a year or two before erecting the turbine?
Posted by DaveH at January 30, 2013 11:25 AM