June 24, 2014
Montana

Aerial view of wind turbine damaged by lightning

Mike Rawlins - MTN News | June 23, 2014 | www.ktvq.com

GREAT FALLS – Engineers from General Electric are working to determine the extent of damage done to a wind turbine just west of Great Falls.

The turbine at the Horseshoe Bend Wind Park was hit by lightning on Friday at around 8:30 p.m.

Witnesses watched as one of the blades melted, dropping pieces to the ground.

The turbine is operated by United Materials of Great Falls.

Jim Steil flew a drone over the turbine to help survey the damage.

Engineers from GE should have an estimate on the cost of the damage this week.

[Click photo to enlarge]