Update: LSA ACCID
Authorities have issued their findings.
Chinese authorities have issued their findings on the June 28 crash in which a light sport aircraft hit a high-rise building in Beijing’s Chaoyang District.
According to a statement published by the Chaoyang District government, the pilot, a 66-year-old Beijing resident and freelance worker, intentionally deviated from his approved flight path during a solo flight.
Findings determined that the pilot had a history of chronic insomnia and anxiety, and his personal diaries contained multiple references to suicidal thoughts.
The aircraft involved was an Aurora SA60L two-seat light propeller plane, registration number B-12PP. The pilot held both a sport pilot license (issued 2021) and a private pilot license (issued 2024).
He took off from a general aviation airport in Pinggu District, Beijing, and lost contact with the airport after separating from a formation flight.
Authorities described the case as “endangering public safety caused by personal reasons.”
No other casualties were reported.
The building struck was CITIC Tower, Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, located near the East Third Ring Road.