When I first was selecting an airport to learn the art of flying, I was faced with two reasonable choices based upon distance from my home.
KSQL or KPAO. Next to KSQL was a major freeway and a junkyard. Next to KPAO was a very nice golf course.
Even back then I chose the airport near the golf course. I told the chief flight instructor I chose his school because of the golf course. He said: oh, you must like golf
No, I said, I thought the golf course would be good for an emergency landing.
He smiled. We got along fine.
as Baritone (barit1) mentioned the reputation of the kinner engine, regarding the KSMO crackup, isn't it odd that KSMO bans JETS? (well sort of)
A two engine jet might have been safer than a one engine kinner powered plane.
All I am saying is that reasonable care (and certainly ford cared) will prevent most engine failures. Refueling with the wrong type of fuel goes in the category of NOT reasonable care. Would you put diesel fuel in a gasoline automobile? ONLY ONCE!