Aside from combat losses, the B-17 and B-24 averaged 30 and 35 accidents per
100,000 flight hours, respectively -- an outrageous figure considering that
from 1980 to 2000 the Air Force's major mishap rate was less than 2. The
B-29 was even worse at 40; the world's most sophisticated, most capable and
most expensive bomber was too urgently needed to stand down for mere safety
reasons...