Chinese authorities say a 66-year-old pilot who deliberately flew a light aircraft into Beijing’s Citic Tower, also known as China Zun, had left behind diary entries indicating he was struggling with personal issues before the fatal crash.
The incident occurred last Friday when the aircraft breached a restricted no-fly zone and slammed into the 109-storey skyscraper, which stands about 1,700 feet tall in the Chinese capital. The pilot, identified only by his surname Liu, was killed, while 13 other people were injured.
According to an official statement issued by authorities in Chaoyang District, investigators found multiple diary entries suggesting Liu had been suffering from insomnia and anxiety, with repeated references to ending his own life. Officials concluded that the crash was driven by “personal reasons”.
Investigators said Liu took off from an airport in Pinggu District, east of Beijing, as part of a group flight before separating from the formation and veering off course. Authorities stated that he later lost contact with air traffic officials before the aircraft struck the skyscraper.
The collision shattered windows, ripped a large hole into the side of the tower and sparked a fire, forcing the evacuation of the building. Dramatic videos circulating online showed aircraft debris falling to the ground as smoke rose from the impact area.
The crash has drawn significant attention because the Citic Tower is located within Beijing’s central business district, close to a highly restricted no-fly zone surrounding areas associated with China’s central leadership.
Authorities said a full investigation concluded the case involved an act that endangered public safety and was motivated by the pilot’s personal circumstances. Reports also stated that Liu was divorced and lived alone.
Following the incident, images and videos of the crash were reportedly removed from Chinese social media platforms as investigations continued.
