Just wondering if there is any regression data relating hrs-required-to-PPL and propensity to crash. I've heard a number of stories about dead fixed wing guys that go something like: "He took twice as many hours to get his instrument rating as he should have, and in fact switched instructors when the first one said "no mas", so its no surprise he killed himself IFR". Also know a guy in town who is over 70 hrs and still can't get signed off, and wonder if in that situation a student should be washed out.