Which type of turbulence could potentially cause structural damage due to the aircraft being violently tossed about?

Extreme turbulence is characterized by violent and erratic movements of the aircraft that can lead to significant and sudden changes in altitude and attitude. During extreme turbulence, the forces acting on the aircraft can indeed be strong enough to cause structural damage. The aircraft may be thrown around with such intensity that pilots have difficulty controlling it, and unsecured objects can become airborne within the cabin.

This level of turbulence presents a serious risk, not only to the structural integrity of the aircraft but also to the safety of the passengers onboard. In contrast, moderate turbulence may cause a noticeable change in altitude and attitude, but typically does not result in the same level of violent disruption. Chop refers to a series of small, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude, which generally do not pose a danger of structural damage. Severe turbulence can be intense, but extreme turbulence represents the highest level of turbulence severity where the potential for structural damage is most pronounced.