As long as you're not flying an experimental aircraft, general aviation is naturally safer than diving. Since GA planes are aerodynamically stable and can glide

As long as you're not flying an experimental aircraft, general aviation is naturally safer than diving. Since GA planes are aerodynamically stable and can glide, pilots (usually) have a lot more time to calm down and think through their options before the situation becomes really dangerous. Most emergencies can be resolved by identifying a flat field or calling an emergency at the nearest airport (which the FAA is encouraging pilots to do more often). Not to mention, getting a pilots license is about 10 hours of "how to fly a plane" and 30+ hours of "how to deal with emergencies" including the instructor cutting off engine power mid flight. There's a procedure for just about every situation and the most important ones are practically muscle memory by the time one receives a pilots license.