Pilot Who Crashed Plane into Beijing Skyscraper Had History of Anxiety

The Chaoyang District Government in Beijing has revealed that the pilot of a small aircraft that struck the CITIC Tower, Beijing’s tallest building, on Friday afternoon (26/6), suffered from insomnia and had a history of anxiety.

The pilot was identified as Liu, a 66-year-old male resident of Beijing, who was a freelancer, divorced, and lived alone.

“Liu had long suffered from insomnia and anxiety. In his diary, several expressions of ‘ending one’s life’ were found,” stated the Chaiment of the Chaoyang District Government, as reported by ANTARA in Beijing, China, on Thursday.

Based on the investigation, local authorities stated that the aircraft that struck the building was a single-engine light aircraft carrying two passengers, featuring an Arora SA60L propeller with registration number B-12PP.

Liu obtained his sport-class flying licence in 2021 and his private flying licence in 2024.

“While conducting a solo flight, the aircraft deviated from the designated area and lost contact with the airport. Subsequently, the aircraft struck the high-rise building, and Liu died at the scene,” the statement read.

Following the accident report, local authorities immediately conducted an investigation and emergency response.

Thirteen people were injured and have received medical treatment. The injured parties are not in life-threatening condition, and one person has already been discharged from the hospital.

“Based on the results of a thorough investigation, this case has been declared a matter of endangering public safety due to personal reasons,” the statement concluded.

The CITIC Tower serves as the headquarters for a Chinese state-owned enterprise, represented by the Chinese Ministry of Finance, with various business pillars including finance, smart manufacturing, raw materials, and smart city operations.

The building is located in Beijing’s primary business district, opposite the offices of the state media outlet CCTV, and is surrounded by numerous domestic and foreign corporate offices as well as foreign embassies.

The location is also situated approximately 6 kilometres from Beijing’s city centre, Tiananmen Square.

From videos circulating on Chinese social media—which were promptly removed—debris from the aircraft could be seen falling after striking one of the floors. Two glass panels on the upper floors appeared to be damaged.