Chinese authorities have officially concluded that the incident last month in which a light aircraft crashed into CITIC Tower, the tallest building in Beijing, was an act endangering public safety caused by the pilot's personal issues.
According to the investigation results released by authorities in Beijing's Chaoyang District via WeChat today (July 2), the pilot, identified by the surname Liu (66), had been suffering from long-term insomnia and anxiety.
Authorities stated that they confirmed several entries in Liu's diary expressing his intent to "end his life."
On June 26, the day of the incident, Liu took off in a light aircraft from an airport in Beijing's Pinggu District, conducting a flight with an instructor followed by a solo flight.
However, during the solo flight, he deviated from the pre-approved flight zone, lost contact with the airport, and subsequently crashed into CITIC Tower, dying at the scene, according to the authorities.
"Based on a comprehensive investigation, we have determined that this incident was an act endangering public safety caused by personal reasons," the authorities announced.
They added that Liu had been living alone following a divorce and had obtained a sports pilot license in 2021 and a private pilot license in 2024.
The crash resulted in the death of the pilot, Liu, and left 13 others injured.
Authorities explained that none of the injured are in life-threatening condition.
CITIC Tower, standing at 528 meters, is the tallest building in Beijing and houses the headquarters of the state-owned CITIC Group.
It is located approximately 7 kilometers in a straight line from Zhongnanhai, the office and residence of President Xi Jinping.
Immediately following the crash, Chinese authorities cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. The day after the incident, they released a brief summary of the crash without disclosing the cause or the pilot's identity, stating only that they were investigating the exact circumstances.
The incident has sparked criticism regarding loopholes in China's aviation security system, and questions have been raised as to how a light aircraft was able to fly into a core area of downtown Beijing.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)