Light Aircraft Crashes Into Beijing's CITIC Tower, Killing Pilot and Injuring 13

On Friday at 17:55 local time, a light sport aircraft, an Aurora SA60L two-seater, crashed into the CITIC Tower in Beijing's Chaoyang business district. The CITIC Tower, also known as China Zone, is the tallest building in Beijing, standing 528 meters high. The pilot, the sole occupant of the plane, died instantly from the impact. Additionally, 13 people on the ground or near the building were injured by debris and falling aircraft parts and were taken for medical treatment.

The crash caused damage to the tower's glass facade, including a hole from the loss of two large panels, with scattered debris found on nearby streets. The incident is highly unusual given the strict airspace restrictions over Beijing, especially near the Forbidden City and the residences of China's top political leadership. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the plane circling in the suburbs before turning toward central Beijing and crashing into the tower.

Chinese authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash and why the aircraft deviated into the city center. No identifying details about the pilot or the direct cause of the accident have been released so far.