Spit IIa Performance graph

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It was virtually impossible to destroy an engine at high altitude because the engine simply can't produce enough boost to cause damage.

Actually it is the fact the engine supercharger can produce boost that can damage it.

It would be pilot error though as if the POH instructions are followed, it will not occur.

You don't lean an aircraft engine in a climb below ~5000 ft Density altitude. Leaning can cause detonation.

In a supercharged engine, the supercharger keeps the density altitude in the manifold low below FTH and below 5000 ft for all or a portion above it depending on the specifics.

For example, in the Spitfire you are instructed to leave the mixture control in NORMAL. It has a WEAK setting and if used, the POH instructs that the boost is limited to 3 1/2 lbs except for short periods.

If you tried to climb at the normal climb rating in WEAK mixture, you could cause detonation and destroy the engine.