Pilot killed, 13 injured after small plane crashes into high-rise building in Beijing
A pilot was killed and 13 people were injured after a two-seat light aircraft crashed into a high-rise building in Beijing's Chaoyang district on Friday evening, Chinese authorities said.
According to officials, the aircraft struck the building near East Third Ring Road at around 5:55 pm. The pilot, who was the only person on board, died in the crash, while 13 others sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment. Authorities have not disclosed whether the injured were inside the building or were hit by falling debris.
Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 identified the aircraft as a Sunward SA 60L Aurora, which had taken off from an airport about 50 kilometres east of Beijing before crashing into the CITIC Tower (China Zun), the capital's tallest skyscraper. Images from the site showed damage to the building's glass façade, with the affected section later covered.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred in a city known for its strict airspace regulations. Reports and social media posts related to the crash were reportedly removed from Chinese internet platforms shortly after the incident.
The aircraft was reportedly operated by Shuangyue General Aviation, while the SA 60L Aurora is manufactured by Starair Aircraft, a company based in Hunan province.
