Lightning damage led to wind turbine blade failure in Oga
EIR-1318Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 26 September 2026.
On 12 April 2026 one of three blades on a wind turbine operated by 風の王国・男鹿 in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, broke. The operator and others told a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry council that lightning on 20 March had damaged the blade. The turbine kept running with reduced blade strength, and the damage spread until the blade broke. An inspection on 4 April did not find the damage because the blade was checked by eye from the ground while it was still turning.
Continued operation after lightning damage, and an inspection that missed the defect because it was a ground-level visual check while the turbine was rotating.
- After lightning, inspect blades with the turbine stopped.
- Use closer tools, such as a telephoto camera or a drone, rather than a distant visual check.
- Confirm whether lightning has damaged a blade before the turbine continues in service.
Published 2026-09-26. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.