Which situation can lead to maximum load factors being exceeded in flight?

The situation involving speed above maneuvering speed and severe turbulence can lead to maximum load factors being exceeded because both factors significantly impact the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft. Maneuvering speed is designed to protect the aircraft from structural damage during abrupt maneuvers or turbulence. At speeds above this threshold, the aircraft is more susceptible to exceeding its design load limits if severe turbulence occurs.

During turbulence, the vertical and lateral forces can increase dramatically. If the aircraft is operating above maneuvering speed, it may not have the same protective characteristics, exposing it to higher aerodynamic loads that can exceed the maximum load factor the structure can withstand.

In contrast, a bank angle of 30 degrees, while it does introduce some additional load factors, typically remains within safe operational limits for most aircraft. A 45-degree bank can increase load factors as well, but if the aircraft is below maneuvering speed, it is typically capable of managing those loads without structural compromise. Hence, the combination of operating above maneuvering speed with the added unpredictability of severe turbulence creates a higher risk of exceeding those load factors.