Metal fatigue rather than a UFO collision is now the prime suspect in the investigation into why a blade fell off a giant turbine in Lincolnshire last month.

The story of the mystery mangling of the Ecotricity-owned turbine at Fel Farm, Lincolnshire, provided the tabloids with a few days of fun (see related story).

But now an investigation by its manufacturers, Enercon suggests the bolts pinning the blade to the hub suffered from material fatigue.

An investigation into whether any supporting components are at fault is ongoing.

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