What are common causes of in-flight structural failures?

Severe turbulence, overloading, and improper maintenance are indeed recognized as common causes of in-flight structural failures.

Severe turbulence can impose unexpected loads on an aircraft structure, which may exceed the design limitations, leading to structural failure. Overloading occurs when the aircraft is operated beyond its maximum weight capacity; this additional weight can compromise structural integrity, especially during maneuvers or turbulent conditions. Improper maintenance can exacerbate wear and tear on critical components, potentially leading to failure if issues go unaddressed.

In contrast, while excessive fuel consumption and unbalanced load can affect flight performance and efficiency, they do not directly lead to structural failures. High altitude and low temperature can influence aircraft performance and system operation, but they are typically not direct causes of structural failure. Weak materials could theoretically lead to issues over time, but modern aircraft are designed with safety factors that account for normal wear and fatigue, making this less likely as a root cause when compared to the direct impacts of turbulence, overload, and maintenance practices.