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Beijing skyscraper plane crash pilot had suicidal tendencies, authorities say
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Beijing skyscraper plane crash pilot had suicidal tendencies, authorities say

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • A pilot who crashed a small tourist plane into a Beijing skyscraper had expressed suicidal tendencies, authorities announced.
  • The crash occurred on June 26, killing the 66-year-old pilot and injuring 13 others in the Citic Tower.
  • The pilot, who had recently obtained his licenses, was reportedly suffering from insomnia and anxiety and had noted intentions to end his life in his diary.

The pilot of a small tourist aircraft that crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper last week had suicidal tendencies, authorities announced. The incident on June 26 saw the aircraft strike the 528-meter Citic Tower in the capital's business district, resulting in the pilot's death and injuring 13 people.

The crash, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. near the CCTV public television building, shocked residents and workers in an area known for its stringent security measures. The skyscraper is located less than seven kilometers from the government seat.

suffered from insomnia and anxiety

— Chaoyang District Government StatementDescribing the pilot's mental state prior to the crash.

According to a statement from the Chaoyang district government, the 66-year-old pilot, a Beijing native, was divorced and lived alone. The statement indicated he had long suffered from insomnia and anxiety. His personal diary reportedly contained several notes about his intention to end his life.

The man had obtained a sports aircraft pilot license in 2021 and a private aircraft pilot license in 2024. On the day of the crash, he took off from Pinggu Airport in Beijing's suburbs, then deviated from his designated flight path and ceased all communication before impacting the Citic Tower.

his personal diary contained several notes where he mentioned his intention to end his life

— Chaoyang District Government StatementRevealing details from the pilot's diary.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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