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SCMP Reporter

The pilot of a small plane that crashed into Beijing’s tallest building last week had long suffered from anxiety and discussed “ending his life” in his diary, authorities in the Chinese capital said on Thursday.
In a brief summary of an investigation, the Chaoyang district government said the pilot was a 66-year-old Beijing resident, identified only by his surname Liu.
Liu died when the light aircraft he was flying struck Citic Tower in the capital’s central business district on Friday.
The authorities said Liu, a freelance worker who was divorced and lived alone, obtained a sport pilot licence in 2021 and a private pilot licence in 2024.


He took off in an Aurora SA60L, a single-engine, two-seat light-sport aircraft, from a general aviation airport in the eastern district of Pinggu in the afternoon.
The aircraft had the registration number B-12PP, according to the statement.
“Liu first carried out an accompanied flight before taking off alone. During the solo flight, he left the designated operating area and lost contact with the airport before the aircraft hit the skyscraper,” the statement said.


It said Liu had long-term insomnia and anxiety, and his diary contained repeated references to ending his life.
“The incident was determined to be a case of endangering public safety caused by personal reasons,” the district government said.
Pinggu is a suburb of Beijing near the border with Hebei province and Tianjin, about 70km (43 miles) northeast of Citic Tower in the capital’s bustling central business district.
The Chaoyang district government statement did not explain how the aircraft was able to travel from Pinggu district into one of the most sensitive and densely populated areas of the Chinese capital.
Just as it did a day after the crash, the district did not name the building in its statement on Thursday, referring to it as a skyscraper near the East Third Ring Road.
At 528 metres (1,732 feet), Citic Tower, also known as China Zun, is the tallest in the capital. The collision triggered an evacuation and sent debris falling onto streets and green spaces around the landmark building.
Flight schools across China said this week they had been told to suspend training and undergo safety inspections following the incident.
Thirteen people were injured in the incident, but none was in a life-threatening condition, according to the Chaoyang authorities. One has been discharged from hospital.
According to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, there were 3,140 registered general aviation aircraft in the country last year and 513 general airports.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.


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Liu flew into Citic Tower, also known as China Zun, in Beijing last Friday. Photo: Reuters

The pilot was killed and 13 people were injured when the plane hit Citic Tower in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Handout

Damage is seen on the right side of Citic Tower, Beijing’s tallest building, after the crash. Photo: AFP

People gather near Citic Tower after the crash on Friday. Photo: AFP

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The crash of the light sport aircraft scattered debris across Beijing’s central business district. Photo: X.com/Takemikazuchi26

A section of Citic Tower damaged when a small plane crashed into this building is boarded up on Saturday. Photo: AP

The crash damaged the facade of Citic Tower in Beijing. Photo: EPA

Small aircraft hits Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, prompting evacuations

Online photos show the registration number of a small aircraft that hit Beijing’s tallest building on Friday was B-12PPA. Photo: X /Takemikazuchi26

Damage is seen on the surface of Citic Tower in Beijing, China on Friday, June 26, 2026. Photo: AP

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Authorities in Beijing identify the person as a 66-year-old resident of the Chinese capital with a private pilot licence


Authorities in Beijing identify the person as a 66-year-old resident of the Chinese capital with a private pilot licence.


China Citic Tower plane crash pilot ‘suffered from anxiety’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Authorities in Beijing identify the person as a 66-year-old resident of the Chinese capital with a private pilot licence

Authorities in Beijing identify the person as a 66-year-old resident of the Chinese capital with a private pilot licence