The Plymouth, Massachusetts, wind turbine blade failure is the latest in a series of massive wind blade failures. On November 7, 2025, an 18,000-pound fiberglass blade detached from a 300-foot-tall turbine and crashed. . Nearby residents reported loud noises and a small earthquake. . The blades for the Plymouth, MA, wind turbines at the Future Generation Wind Farm were made by Gamesa, now known as Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. . An investigation is ongoing, but over two months later, the specific cause has not been publicly released. It is unknown if other Siemens blades are defective.
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In July 2024, a 300-foot blade broke off the Vineyard Wind project. Within weeks, the manufacturer, GE Vernova, identified the manufacturing defects. Approximately 60 defective blades were subsequently removed from the offshore project. . Wind turbine blades spin at very high speeds. Turbines typically generate power between 6 and 45 miles per hour. Above 45 miles per hour or during sudden wind gusts, the brakes engage to shut down the turbine.
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Destruction can be caused due to multiple reasons, including brake failure, lightning strikes, manufacturing defects, and poor maintenance.
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Wind turbine fires are typically caused by electrical or mechanical failures or overheating. These issues can ignite flammable hydraulic oils, lubricants, and plastics within the motor, gearbox, or direct drive components.
Plymouth, Massachusetts: Blade Failure Remains A Mystery
by Frank Haggerty
3 hours ago
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Nearby residents reported loud noises and a small earthquake.
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The blades for the Plymouth, MA, wind turbines at the Future Generation Wind Farm were made by Gamesa, now known as Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
.
An investigation is ongoing, but over two months later, the specific cause has not been publicly released. It is unknown if other Siemens blades are defective.
.
Wind turbine blades spin at very high speeds. Turbines typically generate power between 6 and 45 miles per hour. Above 45 miles per hour or during sudden wind gusts, the brakes engage to shut down the turbine.
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