"The Nimrod has a Good Safety Record"
"The Nimrod has a good safety record". This is one of the first statements confidently given by almost everyone representing the RAF when questioned about the Nimrod. Its not so much said, as pronounced, as though it is an indisputable fact.
I remember hearing those words just after Toronto, then again after the Moray Firth accident. Doubtless it was said when the Nimrod crashed into the woods and now we hear it yet again. Its as though its a shield handed along the line from spokesperson to spokesperson ("just say this and they will go away"). It appears that it is not questioned by the officers who are either briefed to say it, or feel it is a safe thing to say off their own back, and therefore pre-empt any criticism.
Is it a correct statement? Can we draw comfort from it?