A pilot was killed and 13 people were injured after a light aircraft crashed into China Zun (Citic Tower), Beijing’s tallest building, in China’s capital.
According to authorities in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, the single-engine, two-seat aircraft struck the exterior of the 528-metre, 108-storey skyscraper at approximately 5:55 p.m. local time on Thursday. The pilot, who was the aircraft’s only occupant, died at the scene.
Officials said 13 people inside the building were injured by falling debris and shattered glass. All were taken to hospital for treatment, while no fatalities were reported among the building’s occupants.
The impact caused limited structural damage to the landmark skyscraper, knocking out two large exterior glass panels and leaving visible holes in the building’s façade.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, including the aircraft’s flight path and technical condition.
Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft, identified as a Chinese-made Aurora SA60L, took off from northeastern Beijing about 25 minutes before the accident. It reportedly made several circular manoeuvres before flying roughly 50 kilometres toward the city centre, with its final recorded position over Chaoyang District.
Images of the wreckage, including the aircraft’s registration number, quickly circulated on Chinese social media. The aircraft has been linked to Dongshi Shuangyue General Aviation, a Beijing-based company that operates sightseeing flights, pilot training, and aviation education programmes. However, investigators have not confirmed whether the company was operating the aircraft at the time of the crash or whether the pilot was affiliated with the firm.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.
