In a tragic turn of events that has captured the attention of social media users worldwide, influencer Tang Feiji, aged 55, lost his life in a devastating aircraft crash while livestreaming. The incident occurred on a Saturday in Jiange County, central China, where Feiji was piloting a twin-rotor craft that he had purchased for approximately $49,000. The aircraft, which weighed over 250 pounds and was designed for ultralight flying, had previously been the subject of his enthusiastic videos, where he boasted about its capabilities, claiming it could soar up to 2,000 feet and reach speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour.
During the fateful livestream, which attracted hundreds of viewers, Feiji’s aircraft suddenly lost control shortly after takeoff, spiraling into a catastrophic descent that ended in flames. Disturbing footage from the livestream revealed the horrific moment of impact, prompting horrified spectators to flood the comments section with desperate pleas for help, urging others to call emergency services. Unfortunately, by the time assistance could be mobilized, Feiji was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the crash have raised serious questions about safety protocols for amateur pilots. Notably, Feiji was not wearing a helmet or parachute at the time of the incident, which could have potentially mitigated the severity of the outcome. Furthermore, he reportedly had only six hours of practice prior to attempting this flight, expressing confidence that he did not require a pilot’s license to operate such ultralight machines. This raises critical discussions about the regulations governing ultralight aviation and the necessary precautions that should be enforced to ensure pilot safety.
Interestingly, Feiji’s enthusiasm for flying had not been without previous mishaps. He had experienced two crashes last year due to technical difficulties, specifically a malfunctioning fuel gauge that caused his aircraft to plummet from a height of less than 30 feet. Despite these setbacks, it appears Feiji remained undeterred, a testament to the allure and thrill of flight that captivates many aviation enthusiasts.
In the wake of his death, Feiji’s social media accounts have been set to private, restricting access to his content to existing followers. As his followers grapple with the shocking loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with adventure-seeking and the potential consequences of inadequate training and safety measures in aviation.
Current investigations into the crash are ongoing, aiming to uncover the factors that contributed to this tragic event. As the discussion continues, it is essential for both the aviation community and aspiring pilots to reflect on the importance of proper training, adherence to safety regulations, and the inherent dangers of flying without adequate precautions. Feiji’s story underscores not only the perils of social media fame but also the critical need for responsibility when engaging in such high-risk activities.
