McDonnell-Douglas DC-10

Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com

McDonnell-Douglas DC-10

Hours per fatal accident: 2,908,800*
Years built: 1971-1989
Number in service: 153

The DC-10 is a rarity: an airplane whose safety record improved with age. Deadly crashes in the 1970s led to design modifications and changes in maintenance procedures. Its last fatal accident was in 1999, when a plane operated by former French carrier AOM crashed in Guatemala. It's now used mainly by cargo and charter operators. Biman Bangladesh airline is one of the last carrier using it on scheduled flights. Photo provided by www.airlinersgallery.com

*Five-year average through 2003.