Aviator who crashed into Beijing skyscraper had penned notes about taking his own life, authorities reveal

Aircraft pilot Liu, 66, who lost his life after crashing into Beijing's CITIC Tower, had a history of mental health struggles, including writing about suicidal thoughts in his personal diary, according to authorities on Thursday.

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The incident occurred on Friday at 5:55 pm, when Liu flew his light aircraft into the 528-metre tower in the Central Business District, resulting in injuries to 13 people.

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The proximity of the CITIC skyscraper to Zhongnanhai, the government compound housing top Chinese leaders, approximately seven kilometres away, has raised concerns about aviation safety in the tightly secured city.

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At the scene, AFP journalists observed a hole in the upper floor windows of the building, while witnesses reported seeing plane debris and a small fire at the base of the tower.

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Liu, a divorced man living alone in Beijing, had long been affected by insomnia and anxiety, with his diary containing multiple references to ending his life, as stated by the Chaoyang district government.

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The government described the incident as "an event endangering public safety caused by personal reasons", highlighting the tragic consequences of Liu's actions.

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Liu held a sport pilot license since 2021 and a private pilot license since 2024, working as a freelancer, and had taken off from a general aviation airport in suburban Pinggu district on the afternoon of the incident.

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During his final solo flight, Liu deviated from the designated area and lost contact with the airport before the fatal crash, according to the statement.

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The aircraft involved was a two-seat propeller-driven light plane, and Liu's actions on that day have led to a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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In the aftermath of the crash, Chinese social media platforms quickly removed photos and videos of the incident, while police at the scene restricted journalists and onlookers from capturing images of the damaged building.