What is a common cause of structural failure in aircraft?

A common cause of structural failure in aircraft is overloading or improper maintenance. Overloading occurs when an aircraft is subjected to weights beyond its designed limitations, which can lead to material fatigue or even catastrophic failure of structural components. This is crucial in aircraft design, as each part must handle specific loads during various phases of flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing.

Improper maintenance can exacerbate structural issues, as neglecting routine inspections, repairs, or replacements can result in the degradation of materials and the integrity of the structure over time. Maintenance practices must adhere strictly to manufacturer guidelines to ensure that any wear and tear is adequately addressed and that the structural integrity remains intact.

While the other choices mention factors that can also influence structural integrity, overloading and improper maintenance represent the most common and direct causes of structural failure in aviation. Exceeding design specifications, for example, can result from overloading, but it doesn’t encompass the broader issue of maintenance practices that are vital to avoiding structural issues.