Just because the MD11 is certified to a certain structural limit (Xg) doesn't mean the wing should fall off when that structural limit gets to
X.1g!
***************
actually it can withstand abt 3x its certified limit.
Hmm... I hope you don't fly to such limits.
FAR25 says:
"Sec. 25.303 Factor of safety.
Unless otherwise specified, a factor of safety of 1.5 must be applied to the prescribed limit load which are considered external loads on the structure. When a loading condition is prescribed in terms of ultimate loads, a factor of safety need not be applied unless otherwise specified."
Please have a look at the
youtube video of the B777 wing load test. It breaks at 154% limit load, proving designers don't put in more strength (and weight) than necessary.