A PILOT who smashed a plane into 1,700ft skyscraper near a compound housing China’s leaders has revealed the chilling “personal reasons” behind the horror crash.
Liu, 66, was killed after he breached a no-fly zone and flew into a 109-storey tower block in Beijing last Friday.
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A plane smashed into a 1,700ft skyscraper in Beijing last Friday Credit: X
It caused a huge fire and a major evacuation Credit: X
The wreckage of the aircraft Credit: X
A gaping hole was left in the Citic Tower Credit: AP
His diary has revealed that the crash, which also injured 13 others, was caused by “personal reasons”, the Chinese authorities have said.
The 66-year-old pilot suffered insomnia and anxiety, according to a statement from the Chaoyang district.
Authorities said Liu’s diary contained “multiple references to ending his life”.
Beijing’s 1,700ft Citic tower was hit by the aircraft at around 6pm local time as terrifying footage showed falling debris plummeting down to the ground.
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The crash was a huge blow to security in the heart of the Chinese government.
Two of the building’s windows were shattered by the impact that caused the aircraft to completely break apart.
A gaping hole was left in the side of the tower as the crash sparked a huge fire and a mass evacuation.
But panicked authorities deleted all footage showing the crash and photos showing the damage from social media.
Chinese authorities deleted all footage of the crash and pictures of damage from social media Credit: X
The Citic tower, often referred to as China Zun, is the tallest building in Beijing Credit: EPA
Liu was divorced and lived alone, the Chinese authorities’ statement said.
It said he took off from an airport east of Beijing, in the Pinggu district, and began by flying accompanied by a group of other aircraft.
Then, authorities said, Liu strayed off course.
Flying solo, the 66-year-old “lost contact with the airport, subsequently colliding with the high-rise building and dying at the scene”, according to the statement.
It concluded: “A comprehensive investigation concluded that this is a case of endangering public safety caused by personal reasons.”
Shocking footage showed fragments of the plane plummeting to the ground.
Thick smoke was seen rising from the building’s ground floor where the wreckage was scattered.
The Citic tower, often referred to as China Zun, is the tallest building in Beijing.
It is seen by some as a lucky building, and many visit it each year to say a prayer for good luck in job interviews or exams.
The super high-rise skyscraper is in the central business district of Chaoyang District, which is covered by a no-fly zone of around 40 square miles.
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
