I hate to say how many mechanical problems have been experienced in older B-707, B-720, B-727, B-737 and B-747 acft: the rate for all early 7*7-100s was huge, but was not well publicized [1950s--1970s]. Now, every incident has thousands of instant observers/videographers and hundreds of unqualified journalists reporting every terrifying detail with gibberish commentary.
In the early 2000s I tangled with an Aero-News reporter on the V-22. He insisted it was dangerous widow maker. I pointed out similar/recent accidents/incidents with CH-47s, HH-53s, UH-60s, etc and got an "oh yeah"... may be it is on par with other new military helos" answer back. Now that the V-22 is maturing in service, it may never be an easy aircraft to maintain and fly... but will be generally safe and reliable for the military mission.
I seem to remember very serious developmental problems for Next-gen 737s [-500's and-on], early B-777s and all AB3xx's.
OH well, as someone once said: "never buy the "A" model of anything... especially if You are easily frightened/discouraged".
I heard another statistic [circa 1985]: 10% of all lear jets built [up to that time] had either been badly damaged or destroyed in accidents.
Regards, Wil Taylor
Trust - But Verify!
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