A light aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest building on Friday, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people on the ground, according to local authorities.
The Chaoyang district government said the injured are receiving medical treatment and an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
The accident occurred at 5:55 p.m. local time when a single-engine, two-seat light sport aircraft struck a high-rise building near Beijing’s East Third Ring Road.
Authorities confirmed that the pilot, the only person on board, died in the crash.
Crash Damages China’s Tallest Building
The aircraft hit the 528-metre CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, located in Beijing’s Central Business District.
The impact caused limited external damage, leaving a hole where two large glass panels were destroyed. The damaged section had been temporarily covered by Saturday.
China Zun is situated around six kilometres from the Forbidden City and close to Zhongnanhai, the compound housing China’s top political leadership.
Flight Tracking Reveals Final Moments
Images circulating on Chinese social media showed aircraft debris bearing the registration number B-12PP, although Reuters could not independently verify the pictures.
Flight tracking data reviewed by Reuters showed an aircraft with that registration took off around 5:30 p.m. in Beijing’s northeastern suburbs.
It flew in a wide circle before heading towards downtown Beijing. The tracking signal ended at 5:55 p.m., corresponding with the reported crash location in Chaoyang district.
The aircraft was identified as an Aurora SA60L, a two-seat, single-engine light sport aircraft manufactured by Chinese company Sunward.
Aircraft Linked to Sightseeing Operator
Flight records and a promotional video published in 2024 suggested the aircraft was owned and operated by Beijing-based Dongshi Shuangyue General Aviation, which offers sightseeing flights, flight experience programmes and aviation training.
The company had advertised 30-minute sightseeing flights departing from Shifuosi Airport for 880 yuan (around $129).
Reuters could not immediately confirm whether the aircraft remained under the company’s ownership at the time of the crash or whether the pilot was affiliated with the operator.
A company employee said she could not confirm ownership when contacted on Saturday.
Rare Aviation Accident in Beijing
Aircraft accidents in Beijing are uncommon due to the capital’s tightly controlled airspace.
The previous recorded aircraft crash in the city occurred in 2022, when a tourist helicopter went down between Changping and Fangshan districts, killing both pilots on board.
Authorities have not yet announced what caused Friday’s crash.
(with inputs from Reuters)
