In-flight breakup

An in-flight breakup is a catastrophic failure of an aircraft structure that causes it to break apart in mid-air. This can result in the death of all occupants and the destruction of the aircraft. In-flight breakups are rare but devastating events that can be caused by various factors.

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. Additionally, pilot error or adverse weather conditions can cause the aircraft to experience more extreme conditions than those it was designed to tolerate.^[1] In some cases, sabotage or terrorism can damage critical systems or components, leading to catastrophic failure.

See also

• Aviation accidents and incidents
• Boeing 747
• American Airlines Flight 587
• Suicide attack
• Terrorism
• AA Flight 191
• Aircraft hijacking
• Stall
• Aviation safety
• Controlled flight into terrain
• List of DC-10 accidents and incidents