Planes are easier to fly and not "quite" so many accidents, it's far easier for an experienced Heli pilot to completely total a Heli than it is for an experienced fixed wing pilot to kill a plane although it does happen.

The 1st plane stage is one of those things that you have to go through just so you don't destroy the second level plane if you see what I mean, the 2 best beginners planes are the Hobbyzone Supercub and the Multiplex EasyStar both of which are excellent beginners and are 3 channel to make it easier.

If you could get lots of Sim time and some help for your 1st few flights from an experienced pilot then I'd choose the Multiplex MiniMag which can be set up as 3 channel rudder only to start and the when you're ready it takes about 5 mins to free up and plug in the ailerons and you have a great 4 channel plane.

If you have any other queries just let me know, I've started writting in draft form something to help beginners especially self taught as I took that route myself and learnt by mistake but also prepapring someone for their 1st flight helps just to get to know what to expect and can possibly avoid writting off a plane.

I've done it as you see so many people with similar questions and thought it would be easier to just copy and paste it for people, it's on my work computer but I'm not back in until Monday the 5th, if you want it send me a reminder next week adn I'll PM it over to you.