Light Aircraft Hits Beijing’s Tallest Skyscraper, No Injuries Reported

A light aircraft struck the CITIC Tower, Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the heart of the city’s main business district. No injuries were reported. The tower, also known as China Zun, rises 109 stories and is one of the best-known landmarks on Beijing’s skyline.

Social media videos from the scene showed debris falling from the building, including pieces from the aircraft’s tail. On the ground, responders found part of the plane’s tail and a taxi windshield shattered by falling debris. Witnesses said a glass panel appeared to be missing from one of the upper floors.

Security forces evacuated the building and dispatched numerous rescue teams to the site. A CNN journalist reported that police blocked roads leading to the tower and prevented bystanders from filming the scene. Chinese police also stopped civilians from taking pictures in the area.

Registration records identified the aircraft as a locally made Sunward SA 60L Aurora sport plane owned by a local aviation company. Flightradar24 data indicated that the plane had veered sharply off its planned route. Authorities are now investigating how it entered Beijing’s protected airspace, especially after strict drone rules took effect on May 1 requiring government permission for flights. Chinese officials have not yet released further details on the incident.