Tri-Service

China's First Female J-10 Pilot Dies After Training Crash

China's first female J-10 fighter pilot has died in an accident during routine flight training on Saturday.

The news of Yu Xu's death was confirmed by People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke, who said all its service personnel were deeply regretful and mournful. Her co-pilot was able to eject in time.

The Red Arrows team, who met Yu at a Chinese airshow, paid tribute on Twitter:

We are saddened to learn of the loss of Captain Yu Xu of the August 1st Air Demonstration Team. Our thoughts are with her family and team. pic.twitter.com/jpFvC5Dzum
— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) November 14, 2016

The pilot, 30, from Chongzhou city in southwest China's Sichuan Province, was serving as a flight squadron leader.

She joined the military in September 2005 as one of 35 women recruited as trainee pilots.

Shen added that the Air Force would 'continue to conduct training by the highest standards and faithfully fulfil its mission'.

Yu told Chinese national radio recently that she never felt any regrets about becoming a pilot, and how she dreamed of becoming an astronaut. She said:

"Sometimes I’m envious of people the same age, but that is only a momentary feeling. I have chosen a different way of life, a different occupation, and I have different pursuits [in life] … I don’t feel regret choosing to fly."

There's been calls for Chinese pilots to receive more training, meanwhile, after a number of other reported crashes involving the J-10 fighter.

China only requires around 1,000 flying hours to become a pilot, compared with 1,500 hours in other nations.

The Red Arrows met Captain Yu Xu and her team at Airshow China. Her inspiration to the next generation was clear and will remain a legacy. pic.twitter.com/7GBS7muySF
— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) November 14, 2016