Rarity is certainly a big factor even from an objective viewpoint. Concorde instantaneously went from the safest airliner flying to the most dangerous with that crash, just because it didn&#x27;t fly much. Flying on a Space Shuttle was one of the most dangerous activities out there, judging by the historical failure rate.<p>It helps just in terms of grabbing your attention, too. &quot;Man drives into lake&quot; doesn&#x27;t make the news. &quot;Man drives Bugatti Veyron into lake&quot; does, just because the unusual car makes it more interesting.<p>In the case of Concorde and the Shuttle, the machines in question were not only rare, but beloved by many, and seen as a national symbol. It&#x27;s almost like assassinating the country&#x27;s leader.