Pilot's Diary Reveals Suicidal Intentions
Chinese authorities announced Thursday that the pilot who crashed a small plane into Beijing's tallest building last Friday had written in his diary about ending his life. The investigation by the Chaoyang district government concluded that the cause of the crash was personal reasons, according to a statement posted on social media.
The 66-year-old pilot, identified only by the surname Liu, died in the incident. Thirteen other people were injured, none of them critically, and one injured person has already been discharged from hospital, the statement said.
Crash Details and Security Concerns
The crash occurred around 6 p.m. in a downtown skyscraper district as people were leaving work, raising questions about security in the Chinese capital. The aircraft struck the 108-story CITIC tower, nicknamed the Zun building for its resemblance to an ancient wine vessel, leaving a hole in the glass facade.
Liu first flew with another person in the two-seat training plane, then took off alone from a general aviation airport on the outskirts of Beijing. He deviated from the planned flight path and contact was lost, the statement said.
Pilot's Background and Mental State
According to the Chaoyang district government, Liu had no fixed job, was divorced, and lived alone. He suffered from insomnia and anxiety, and his diary contained multiple references to ending his life, authorities said.
