>> Barbies Boyfriend "Is there anyone on here with intimate knowledge of the A330 structure that could refute this? Is it a particularly 'strong' a/c, like the Bae 146 for example? I suspect not."
Being 'particularly strong' is not comprehensive insurance against structural damage / in-flight break-up in an encounter with exceptionally severe turbulence, or, if mis handled within severe turbulence.
There are two examples of "strong" aeroplanes breking up that spring to mind, both occurring in 1966.
03/05/66 - BOAC Boeing 707-436 broke-up in flight and crashed near Mt Fuji, after a violent encounter with turbulence (mountain lee waves) that imparted structural loading significantly in excess of the design max.
06/08/66 - Braniff BAC 1-11 203AE broke-up in flight and crashed after traversing a strong squall line shortly after departing Kansas city. Subsequent investigation into the accident determined that the a/c would have to have encountered a gust in excess of 140ft/sec. at an upward angle to cause the catastrophic failure of the tailplane that was determined to be the trigger to the break up.
I am sure that you will agree that both the 707 and 1-11 are 'strong' aeroplanes, and having personally accumulated a significant amount of hours on the 1-11 I can attest to it being an exceptionally robust piece of equipment, however, I was fortunate never to have experienced the absolute upper limits of that robustness.