Dear Xeque,
There really is no need for you as passenger to be afraid of flying.
Nor was there in the early 50 's.
Standards are even better now, as very realistic simulators train us to coop with all possible failures, including you're mentioned 50's failure as advertised. and being made worse and worse ....
As a matter of fact , because of this ....
The opposite of what you are saying is the real thruth ....
Don't assume too much,
Cheers !