Pilot Behind Beijing Skyscraper Crash Suffered from Insomnia and Anxiety

Government officials have revealed that the pilot who crashed a small plane into Beijing’s tallest building suffered from chronic insomnia and anxiety. The incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the death of the 66-year-old pilot, identified by his surname, Liu. According to a statement from officials in Beijing’s Chaoyang district, Liu crashed into the 108-story CITIC Tower, known as China Zun, due to personal reasons.

Liu was a freelancer living alone in Beijing. His diary showed signs of ongoing personal struggles, with multiple entries expressing thoughts of ending his life. Officials concluded that Liu’s actions endangered public safety due to personal reasons.

The crash not only claimed Liu’s life but also injured 13 other individuals. Footage from the event showed debris falling from the upper floors of the skyscraper, which stands over 1,700 feet tall in a bustling business area. A day after the crash, Chinese authorities confirmed the pilot’s death but did not initially identify him.

Beijing is known for its strictly controlled airspace. Civilian flights are usually not permitted over the city’s core. Major airports are located outside central districts, and low-altitude activities face significant restrictions.

Flight data indicated that Liu’s Sunward SA 60L Aurora aircraft took off from an airport roughly 30 miles east of Beijing. The plane headed west towards the capital and ultimately crashed near the East Third Ring Road around 6 p.m. on Friday, deviating from its intended path.

“I ran out without my ID card or bag,” a woman present in the building told the South China Morning Post.

Anyone wishing to fly a light sport aircraft in Beijing must receive authorization from both the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Unauthorized flights are rare, especially given recent restrictions tightening control over low-altitude airspace.

Beijing recently increased restrictions on low-altitude airspace, banning recreational drones unless prior approval is obtained. The transport, sale, or use of drones within Beijing is also broadly prohibited. Despite Beijing’s robust defenses, analyst Ben Lewis stated these are primarily designed for countering military threats.

Liu had obtained his sport pilot license in 2021 and his private pilot license in 2024. According to Chinese authorities, obtaining such licenses requires a physical evaluation and appropriate certifications. However, it remains unclear how Liu navigated areas with strict no-fly zones and highly restricted airspace.

Authorities noted that the pilot conducted a supervised flight earlier on the day of the crash before embarking on his final, tragic solo flight.

If you or anyone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or texting “988” to 741741. Alternatively, visit 988lifeline.org for assistance.