Onshore wind turbine reported to have collapsed in calm conditions, second turbine reported struck by lightning
EIR-0527Provisional entry. Confirmed so far: a report of an onshore wind turbine collapse in calm conditions in the central United States and a separate turbine lightning strike. Not yet known: the site, date, cause, damage extent, whether anyone was hurt, and whether the two events were at the same wind farm. Next update: 8 September 2026.
In 2025, a report described an onshore wind turbine in the central United States collapsing on a day characterised as calm, and a separate turbine being struck by lightning. The report does not state whether the two events involved the same wind farm. The date, extent of damage, any injuries, turbine type and age, and whether operations were suspended were not reported. Only a headline and short summary were available, so the circumstances of both events remain unconfirmed.
Not reported. The available source does not state a cause for either event.
- Structural failures can occur in benign weather, so inspection and maintenance regimes should not treat extreme wind loading as the only credible failure driver; include bolt tension, weld and tower flange checks on a fixed schedule.
- Lightning protection systems, receptors, down conductors and earthing continuity should be tested and the results recorded at defined intervals at exposed sites.
- Where a tower failure occurs, secure the site, retain failed components and records for examination, and share preliminary findings with operators of similar turbine models so they can carry out targeted checks.
Published 2026-09-07. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.