Manitowoc Crawler Crane Drops Load During Wind Turbine Hub Installation
- Meagan Wood
- Sep 20, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
A large Manitowoc crawler crane dropped a wind turbine hub during installation after an apparent hoist drum brake failure. The incident occurred as the hub was nearly in position. Video footage shows a sudden jolt followed by boom flex and rapid loss of the load. No injuries were reported, though the hub and blades were destroyed. The incident highlights critical risks associated with hoisting systems, brake performance, and dynamic loading during wind turbine installation.
Incident Overview
A large Manitowoc crawler crane was involved in a serious incident during a wind farm construction project, resulting in the loss of a turbine hub and blades.
Information remains limited, which is not uncommon on wind projects. However, based on material provided to Crane Hub Global, the incident occurred as the hub was close to being set in position.
No injuries have been reported.
What Is Known
The crane was a large Manitowoc crawler crane
The operation involved installing a wind turbine hub
The hub was nearly in position when the incident occurred
The load was dropped rapidly
No injuries have been reported
Damage appears limited primarily to the hub and blades, which are a total loss
Observations From Video and Images
Based on video footage and post-incident images shared with Crane Hub Global:
The crane appears to experience a sudden jolt
The boom visibly flexes immediately prior to load loss
The load then falls rapidly
Post-incident images suggest the crane lost several lattice lacings from boom sections
It has been suggested that hoist drum brakes may have failed, though this has not been officially confirmed.
What Is Not Yet Known
At the time of publication, there is no confirmed information regarding:
Exact crane model or configuration
Hoist line reeving and drum setup
Brake condition, testing, or maintenance status
Load weight relative to charted capacity
Wind conditions at the time of the lift
Whether any alarms or warnings were triggered
Until an official investigation is released, the root cause remains unconfirmed.
Why Incidents Like This Can Occur
During wind turbine installation, cranes are often operating near:
High load percentages
Large radii with long boom configurations
Dynamic effects from wind and load movement
High energy stored in hoisting systems
Hoist brake systems are critical safety components. Failure or reduced braking performance can lead to uncontrolled load descent, particularly during final positioning when fine control is required.
Boom flex and structural damage may occur when loads are released suddenly, introducing extreme dynamic forces.
Industry Reminder
Wind turbine lifts place extreme demands on cranes and hoisting systems. Even brief loss of control can result in catastrophic load loss and significant equipment damage.
The absence of injuries in this incident is fortunate, but it serves as a reminder that braking systems and hoist integrity are mission-critical during wind operations.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane-related incidents using verified information and clearly distinguishes between confirmed facts and unconfirmed observations. This article will be updated if official findings are released.
How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented
Hoist Brake Inspection and Testing
Hoist drum brakes should undergo regular inspection, adjustment, and functional testing, especially before critical lifts on wind projects.
Redundant Braking and Load Control
Where applicable, redundant braking systems and controlled lowering procedures help reduce risk during high-energy lifts.
Critical Lift Planning
Wind turbine component lifts should be classified as critical lifts, with detailed lift plans covering brake performance, emergency scenarios, and abort criteria.
Dynamic Load Awareness
Operators and lift planners must account for dynamic effects, including wind gusts, load oscillation, and sudden force redistribution.
Structural Monitoring After Shock Loads
Any sudden load release or shock event requires immediate inspection of boom sections, pins, and lacings before continued operation.
