An aviation influencer has died during a livestream, when his ultralight aircraft plunged from the sky.
Tang Feiji, 55, was broadcasting on Saturday when his aircraft erupted into flames.
The Context
There have been multiple incidents involving influencers dying while on livestreams over the years, incidents which have in turned raised questions and concerns about the safety of internet subcultures, and the lengths that people can go to for content.
These concerns come in tandem with concerns about flying and aviation more broadly. This year has seen a series of shocking aviation incidents, some of which were fatal, which has led to increased scrutiny and concerns around aviation.
What To Know
Video footage shows Feiji, who had roughly 100,000 followers on Douyin, the Chinese social media platform, taking off inside the aircraft and then suddenly crashing to the ground and bursting into flames, according to reports from the China News Service (CNS), which is a state-run new agency, and Cover News, a Chinese news site.
Cover News reported that the crash did not cause damage to the local area, citing local authorities.
Feiji, whose screenname was Tang Airpllane, was broadcasting from Jiange Country in central China.
Viewers quickly flooded then live chat with concern for Feiji, but he was pronounced dead at the scene from the impact and the blaze that followed.
He was not wearing a helmet or safety equipment like a parachute when the crash occurred.
Since the crash, Feiji’s livestream account has been set to private, and only existing followers are able to access his content.
The CNS reported that he had paid 350,000 Chinese Yuan, which is equivalent to around $49,000 for the vehicle he was flying in at the time of the crash. The vehicle weighed just over 250 Ibs, and has a single seat, according to the outlet.
He has previously said that this aircraft vehicle could reach an altitude of almost 2,000 feet and travel over 60 miles per hour, as per the CNS.
What People Are Saying
@Extreo_ in a post on X: “Chinese influencer Tang Feiji, 55, dies mid-livestream while piloting his helicopter.”
@gh0stshell, in a post on X: “When chasing content turns fatal… Aviation influencer Tang Feiji (55) tragically died mid-livestream after his helicopter crashed in China. The horrifying moment was broadcast live to fans, sparking grief and outrage. (Times of India) Critics are now questioning the culture of risky livestream stunts, while supporters mourn a creator who inspired millions with his passion for flight. The tragedy is already fueling calls for stricter safety oversight.”
What’s Next
Details around a funeral for Feiji have yet to be released to the public. The incident could lead to greater safety regulations for content creators.