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China Releases Details About Pilot Who Crashed Plane Into Beijing Skyscraper
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- A 66-year-old man suffering from insomnia and anxiety deliberately crashed his small plane into Beijing's tallest building, Citic Tower, last Friday during rush hour, according to authorities.
- The pilot, identified as Mr. Liu, a divorced, self-employed resident, had expressed suicidal intentions in journal entries and deviated from designated flying areas before losing contact with the airport.
- The crash injured 13 people, none seriously, and was officially ruled as an act endangering public safety driven by personal reasons.
- Authorities delayed confirming the incident for nearly 24 hours and censored social media discussions, reflecting sensitivity about security concerns near central government areas.
- The event raised questions about Beijing's airspace security, given the city's strict control measures and proximity to the Chinese Communist Party headquarters.
