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81194

Timeline

Compiled from public historical records, written with restraint and respect.

  1. 2001-03

    Frequent Close-Range Reconnaissance

    From March 2001, U.S. reconnaissance aircraft repeatedly flew close to the waters southeast of Hainan Island. Chinese fighters scrambled to track, monitor and intercept them as routine procedure.

  2. 2001-04-01

    Collision over the South China Sea

    In the morning, two Chinese J-8II fighters tracked a U.S. EP-3E reconnaissance aircraft. About 110 km southeast of Hainan Island, the two aircraft collided. The Chinese fighter went out of control and crashed into the sea; its pilot, Wang Wei, ejected and was lost at sea.

  3. 2001-04-01

    Emergency Landing at Lingshui

    The damaged U.S. EP-3E entered Chinese airspace without permission and made an emergency landing at Lingshui airfield on Hainan. Its 24 crew members were taken into Chinese custody.

  4. 2001-04-01 — 04-14

    Large-Scale Search and Rescue

    China launched an extensive sea and air search involving naval vessels, aircraft and civilian boats, lasting more than ten days in an effort to find Wang Wei. It was among the largest search-and-rescue operations in the area at the time.

  5. 2001-04-04

    Diplomatic Exchange

    Intensive diplomatic exchanges followed over responsibility and handling. China demanded an apology; the U.S. side responded with the phrasing "very sorry," a formula the two sides interpreted differently.

  6. 2001-04-11 — 04-12

    U.S. Crew Departure

    After negotiations, the 24 U.S. crew members were allowed to leave China on April 12. The damaged aircraft was later dismantled and returned.

  7. 2001-04

    Declared Martyred and Honoured

    After the exhaustive search ended without success, Wang Wei was confirmed dead and posthumously recognized as a revolutionary martyr. The Central Military Commission conferred on him the honorary title "Guardian of the Sea and Sky."

  8. 每年 4 月 1 日

    "81192, Please Return"

    Every April 1 since, people across the country have repeated the words "81192, please return." The tail number has become a marker of collective memory, reminding people of the pilot who gave his life defending the sea and sky.