BEIJING (AP) — A pilot who deliberately flew a small aircraft into Beijing’s tallest building last Friday left behind diary entries referencing “ending his life,” according to Chinese authorities who announced their findings Thursday.
Officials from Beijing’s Chaoyang district government posted a statement on social media saying the investigation determined the crash resulted from “personal reasons.”
The pilot, a 66-year-old man identified only by the surname Liu, was killed in the crash. Thirteen other people sustained injuries, though none are considered life-threatening. One of those hurt has already been released from care, the government statement noted.
The incident occurred in a downtown high-rise district around 6 p.m. as workers were heading home, sparking concerns about security in the Chinese capital. The plane struck the glass exterior of the 108-story CITIC tower — commonly known as the “Zun” building due to its resemblance to an ancient wine vessel of the same name — leaving a visible hole in its facade.
According to the Chaoyang district statement, Liu initially flew with another person aboard the two-seat training aircraft before departing alone from a general aviation airport on the outskirts of Beijing. He then veered off his planned flight route and ground controllers lost contact with him.
Authorities described Liu as someone without steady employment who was divorced and living by himself. He reportedly suffered from insomnia and anxiety, and his diary contained multiple mentions of wanting to end his life.
