In-flight breakup

Structural failure of an aircraft when in mid-air From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An in-flight breakup or mid-air breakup is a catastrophic failure of an aircraft structure that causes it to break apart in mid-air.

CIA's depiction of how TWA Flight 800 broke apart.
CIA's depiction of how TWA Flight 800 broke apart

Faults in the design or manufacturing of the aircraft can create weak points or stress concentrations in the structure. Constant use and repeated loading and unloading cycles on the aircraft can lead to fatigue cracking.[1]

Additionally, pilot error or adverse weather conditions can cause the aircraft to experience more extreme conditions than those it was designed to tolerate.[2][3]

Crashes involving in-flight breakups

See also

References

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