China says pilot crashed small plane into skyscraper for 'personal reasons'
Summary
A small plane crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, the CITIC Tower, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people. Chinese authorities said the pilot acted for personal reasons, suffering from insomnia and anxiety, and that the crash was a case of endangering public safety.Key Facts
- The pilot, identified only as Liu, was 66 years old, divorced, and lived alone in Beijing.
- Liu had chronic insomnia and anxiety and had written about ending his life in his diary.
- The crash happened last Friday when Liu flew off his designated path during a solo flight and hit the CITIC Tower.
- The CITIC Tower, also called China Zun, is 109 stories high and located near China’s Communist Party headquarters.
- Videos and photos of the crash were quickly removed from Chinese social media during the investigation.
- Aviation companies were told to suspend light aircraft flights after the crash.
- Liu earned a sport pilot’s license in 2021 and a private pilot’s license in 2024.
- The plane was a two-seat, single-engine Aurora SA60L made by Sunward Aircraft, used for touring and recreation.
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