A composite structure comprising a parent structure having a hole, an insert in the hole, and a first patch bonded by adhesive to one side of the parent structure and one side of the insert. The first patch comprises a first multiplicity of pre-stressed members arranged in side-by-side relationship around a perimeter of the first patch. Each pre-stressed member is capable of returning to an unflexed curved state in the event that a strength of the bond between that pre-stressed member and an opposing portion of the parent structure becomes zero. The composite structure may further comprise a second patch bonded by adhesive to another side of the parent structure and another side of the insert. In one application, the composite structure is part of an aerial vehicle, e.g., a fuselage of an aircraft.