Beijing Skyscraper Crash: Pilot's Diary Reveals Struggle
Beijing Skyscraper Crash: Pilot's Diary Reveals Struggle
Chinese authorities reveal the pilot who crashed into Beijing's tallest building wrote about ending his life. Learn about the tragic incident and the security questions it raises.
Authorities in China have confirmed that the pilot involved in last week's plane crash into Beijing's tallest building had written about “ending his life” in his diary. The investigation concluded that the incident, which saw a small plane strike the 108-story CITIC Tower, was caused by “personal reasons.”
The 66-year-old pilot, identified only by his surname Liu, was killed in the crash. The incident, which occurred as people were leaving work around 6 p.m., also left 13 other individuals injured, none of whom sustained life-threatening conditions. One of the injured has since been discharged. The plane left a noticeable hole in the glass facade of the building, often nicknamed the “Zun” due to its resemblance to an ancient wine vessel.
According to the Chaoyang district government's statement, Liu had no fixed employment, was divorced, and lived alone. He suffered from insomnia and anxiety, and his diary contained multiple entries expressing thoughts of ending his life. The pilot had initially flown the two-seat training plane with someone else before embarking on a solo flight from a general aviation airport on the outskirts of Beijing. He subsequently deviated from his planned flight path, and contact was lost.
This tragic event has prompted significant questions regarding security protocols in the Chinese capital, especially given the building's prominent downtown location.
