The US Navy and Marines operate a number of Hornets (930+) equal to about 75% of the PLAAF's jet fighters (1230+). So five accidents in a year is not surprising, especially on these (relatively) old aircraft.
It's not like the PLAAF has a sparkling safety record. Last I heard the first Chinese female fighter pilot died in Nov'16 when her (relatively new) J-10 crashed.
It's not like the PLAAF has a sparkling safety record. Last I heard the first Chinese female fighter pilot died in Nov'16 when her (relatively new) J-10 crashed.
