Another possibility was hitting a flock of birds, which could damage the engines.
The downgrade could also force up interest rates, which could damage the already weak US economy.
The Sun's alignment between Earth and Mars could corrupt communication signals, which could damage the craft.
The government controls the desert but leases parts to mining companies, which could damage or destroy fossils.
QE2 seems to be another throw of the policy dice which could damage pensions, impoverish pensioners and increase risk in all financial markets.
South America has been hit by a drought, which could damage the soy bean harvest, while UK wheat has been damaged by the rain.
More competition would also lead to universities concentrating on money-making subjects, which could damage the sector's reputation for academic quality, he warned.
This is in stark contrast to its ethics policy which claims that NatWest tries not to make loans "which could damage the bank's reputation".
At a time of slow growth and high unemployment, he said, there was a danger of states turning to protectionist measures which could damage the recovery.
Concerns such as those expressed by Ros Altman – that QE2 is "another throw of the policy dice which could damage pensions, impoverish pensioners and increase risk in all financial markets" – have been raised.
Last summer was so hot and dry that he stopped the cork harvest after half a day because the inner bark was coming off, which could damage the trees.
