Death of Li Jianying
Li Jianying (Chinese: 李剑英; pinyin: Lǐ Jiànyīng; May 1964 – November 4, 2006) was a People's Liberation Army Air Force pilot.[1][2]
Li Jianying | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 1964 Zhengzhou, Henan |
| Died | November 4, 2006 (aged 42) |
| Rank | Air Force Colonel |
| Awards | Gold Medal for Pilots |
Li chose to sacrifice himself in a crash-landing rather than bail out and leave his plane to plow into a village.[3]
Li was born in Zhengzhou, Henan in 1964. Li was known for his toughness and work ethic. He joined the army in 1982, and served as air force Colonel and first-class pilot before his death. During his 22-year flying career, Li flew 5,003 times registering 2,389 hours of safe flights, and was awarded third-class and second-class honors. Li was posthumously awarded a first-class merit and a gold medal for pilots, the highest honor for a pilot.
On Nov 14, 2006, Li Jianying was flying over an area populated by 7 villages, 814 households, an express toll station and a tile workshop when his fighter jet ran into a flock of pigeons. There were over 800 liters of aviation oil, more than 120 airborne shells, a rocket, and explosive oxygen cylinders. Li knew that if he ejected, the jet would go out of control, causing unimaginable loss. Li radioed in that he was going to attempt a forced landing. He attempted to set down on a river bank, but his jet exploded on impact. Li died in the crash and was awarded a first-class merit and a gold medal for pilots.
In 2008 Li was tied for first place in CCTV's "China's 10 Most Moving People of 2007" award.[1][2]
References
- "Heroes come in many colors". China Daily. 2008-02-18. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05.
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"Crying out for a rice bowl". Danwei. 2008-02-18. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05.
Xie Tingxin and Li Jianying, both from Henan, won the "China's 10 Most Moving People of 2007" award, presented by CCTV.
- "Pilot honored for giving up his life for villagers". China Daily. 2007-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-02.