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I know its only a metaphor but arguably modern planes crash much less. No crashes in the US in the last decade.

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2019/02/13/colgan-air-crash-10-year...

It's arguable that the 737Max is the exception that proves the rule.

I still have no idea how the FAA approved the "software fix".

To me the bug is the corruption that allowed it to be deployed in the first place and the lack of punishment.

Modern planes really do crash less than older ones. Just stay away from 737MAX models.

So, nuclear reactors are very safe except of dangerous-tech-xA45b which we only know is deadly after one or two incidents?

Actually, yes.

1) Don't use crappy Soviet reactors like Chernobyl; this should be a no-brainer.

2) Don't locate a nuclear power plant in a place where it can be flooded easily.

Other than the crappy Chernobyl reactor, I don't know of any inherently dangerous reactor designs, especially in Western nations.

AFAIK most modern designs are fail-safe, e.g. with passive features like control rods suspended with electromagnets over the reactor - if activated (or if power fails) they simply fall in and kill the reaction.