A 66-year-old pilot, identified only by his surname Liu, crashed a small plane into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, the CITIC Tower (also known as China Zun), last week. The incident resulted in the pilot's death and injuries to 13 others. An investigation conducted by authorities revealed that Liu, a divorced freelancer who lived alone, had been suffering from chronic insomnia and anxiety. His diary, according to the Chaoyang district government, contained multiple indications of suicidal intentions. The incident was determined to be a case of endangering public safety due to personal reasons. The injured individual has since been discharged from the hospital. In the aftermath, Chinese authorities removed circulating videos and social media posts about the crash, viewed by many as a significant security lapse. Liu took off from an airport in Pinggu district on the day of the incident, conducting both accompanying and solo flights before deviating from the designated area, losing contact with the airport, and colliding with the skyscraper. Liu obtained his sport pilot's license in 2021 and his private pilot's license in 2024. The plane he flew was a two-seat, single-engine Aurora SA60L manufactured by Chinese company Sunward Aircraft. This aircraft is designed for touring, aerial photography, and recreational aviation. For individuals experiencing distress or despair, resources for help and support in various countries can be found at BBC Action Line, Befrienders Worldwide, and the 988 suicide helpline (for readers in the US and Canada).