You know what's funny? Not that him dying is. But, During the Chinese civil war, the Nationalist spy master Dai li died in an flight. He was said to be so powerful, he controlled the police, has spies in every department, and has 100 thousand American equipped guerrillas, later turned official soldiers, and support of the Americans to be the commander in chief of Chinese navy.
While the Communist spy master also died in a flight, before him along with a neutral General, commander of the new fourth army, and Buogu, the Chinese communist leader educated in Soviet but purged Mao on his return, but fell from power as he recorded defeat after defeat.
Then there is the second in command LinBiao, who after alleged assassination attempt on Mao was killed along with his family in a plane crash, allegedly heading for the Soviets.
What's with these dying in plane crashes. Two of the three, spy chiefs, and the other second in command, with a prominent General, and fallen political leader on the side.