I agree that the drip-drip of hysteria from one event to the next builds fear. However, you cannot prove this.
This is an interesting juxtaposition from the report in the opening post of the thread:
"We plummeted left for about three seconds and then straightened up."
Speaking as one who is calmly on the ground, I don't think you can call a 'three seconds' a 'plummet' Firstly because of the dictionary definition:
plummet
· v. (plummeted, plummeting) fall or drop straight down at high speed. decrease rapidly in value or amount.
Secondly because the colloquial interpretation of 'plummet' is of an extended time, such as more than fifteen seconds. When does a fall become a plummet, or a plunge? These questions are irrelevant to the media these days. The only question is: What sounds good?
Flying incidents are featured more strongly because, firstly, more people fly and so there is a legitimate interest in flying. Secondly, the simple commercial need to sell the radio/TV bulletin, or the paper for the advertising - just old fashioned business. Thirdly, because of the plethora of news sources - rolling 24 hour news in particular - even the smallest item becomes fodder to fill the space. The second two feed upon themselves, spinning into the ground.
Expect more of the same. Expect it to get worse.