What property of wood is crucial for ensuring safety in aircraft design?

Resistance to moisture is crucial for ensuring safety in aircraft design because wood used in aviation applications must withstand various environmental conditions without degrading. Wood that is susceptible to moisture can absorb water, leading to swelling, decay, or structural weakness, which can compromise the integrity of aircraft components.

In addition, moisture resistance helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can not only damage the wood but also pose health risks to crew and passengers. This property ensures longevity and reliability, which are essential for safety in aviation applications.

Other factors, such as density, natural color, and grain patterns, may play roles in specific applications or aesthetic considerations but do not primarily affect the safety and performance of wood in aircraft design like moisture resistance does.