Originally Posted by
OnePass Since 87
Ouch.... That winglet failure is a little troubling if it was truly due to "impact". However I shouldnt jump to conclusions without data.
I find it odd too but not as much so when you remember that airplane parts are designed for very specific loads. Anything outside of those parameters and the part becomes fragile.
Take the main gear for example. It can handle landing at 150 mph with a full load and crosswinds then bringing thousands of tons to a stop---a LOT of stress---over and over with no problem, but you putt along into a sinkhole going 10 mph, SNAP...