I guess I don't know the history of accidents involving the gascolator. I do know the original is a PITA. The only accident I know of with the fuel valve was John Denver but in my opinion if you have to use vice grips on the valve you might want to service it. I like my Dakota Cub fuel valve and gascolator. The gascolator is a must in my opinion but have had great service out of the fuel valves I have maintained. Changed mine because I wanted the both option to save me from myself.