A 66-year-old man who flew a small plane into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper last week had previously expressed suicidal thoughts, authorities said Thursday, as investigators piece together the motives behind the deadly crash. The single‑pilot collision with the 109‑storey CITIC Tower killed the pilot and injured 13 people, none of whom were reported in life‑threatening condition.
Local officials said the pilot, identified only by his surname Liu, took off from a general aviation airfield in northeastern Beijing in a two‑seat Sunward SA60L Aurora. He initially flew with a companion, later continued solo, deviated from his assigned flight path, lost contact with the airport and struck the 528‑metre (1,732‑foot) tower in the capital’s central business district.
Incident and timeline
- Takeoff and deviation: Liu obtained his first pilot licence in 2021 and flew from a nearby general aviation airport. After an initial flight with a companion he continued alone and left the approved route.
- Impact and casualties: The crash tore through the CITIC Tower’s façade, sending glass and debris onto surrounding streets. The pilot died at the scene; 13 others were injured and treated in hospital, with one already discharged.
Investigators’ findings
Authorities cited diary entries referencing “ending (his) life” and said Liu had suffered chronic insomnia and anxiety. He was described as a self‑employed divorcé who lived alone. Officials concluded the incident was “endangering public safety caused by personal reasons,” signalling investigators believe the crash was deliberate rather than an accident.
Public reaction and censorship
The collision came amid intense public speculation. Shocking footage circulated briefly online before Chinese social platforms removed posts, and state media initially made no reference to the event. The incident has raised questions about Beijing’s aviation controls and how a small aircraft breached flight restrictions over the city’s most protected areas.
Safety and legal context
Beijing’s central business district houses foreign embassies and major corporations, heightening concerns about aviation security. Authorities are continuing a probe into possible regulatory lapses and will release further findings when available.
