Tragic Plane Crash in Beijing: What We Know So Far

A tragic plane crash in Beijing has left the pilot dead and 13 others injured after a small aircraft collided with the CITIC Tower. The incident occurred in the bustling Chaoyang district, raising questions about airspace safety in the city. As investigations unfold, details about the aircraft and its operator are emerging. The CITIC Tower, a prominent skyscraper, has been at the center of this unfortunate event. Stay tuned for updates as authorities work to uncover the cause of this incident.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 17:49 IST

Incident Overview

Beijing: On Saturday, Chinese officials reported that a small aircraft crashed into a building in Beijing, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuries to 13 others.

The incident occurred in the Chaoyang district, a bustling commercial hub, where a two-seat light sport plane collided with a high-rise structure near the East Third Ring Road at approximately 5:55 PM on Friday.

The brief announcement on WeChat did not disclose the identity of the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, nor did it specify the building involved.

According to Flightradar24, the plane struck the CITIC Tower, also referred to as China Zun, which stands over 1,700 feet (528 meters) tall, located just east of a significant ring road surrounded by skyscrapers.

The CITIC Tower, designed to resemble an ancient Chinese wine vessel, is one of Beijing's most iconic buildings and holds the title of the tallest in the city.

Flightradar24 shared the flight path of the Sunward SA 60L Aurora, which took off from an airport situated about 50 kilometers east of Beijing, heading westward before crashing just east of the East Third Ring Road.

Images from the Associated Press on Saturday revealed visible damage on the glass facade of the CITIC Tower, with a hole that had been covered.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, especially in a city known for its stringent airspace regulations, including a recent prohibition on drones. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.

It is still uncertain whether the injured individuals were inside the building or affected by debris, but reports confirm they are receiving medical attention.

The CITIC Tower is conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of China's top leadership, and a mere 15 minutes from the renowned Forbidden City.

Social media discussions regarding the crash were quickly removed from China's restricted internet on Friday, although footage has circulated on international platforms like X.com. A report by a financial news outlet about the casualties was also rendered inaccessible shortly after.

Images and videos circulating online appeared to depict debris from the aircraft near the skyscraper. While these images matched the location, their authenticity could not be independently verified. One image displayed a partial registration number of B-12, while the complete registration number is B-12PP.

Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft was operated by Shuangyue General Aviation, likely linked to Dongshi Shuangyue (Beijing) General Aviation, whose website was unavailable on Saturday. This company offers services ranging from private pilot training to aerial tours, according to online sources.

The SA 60L is manufactured by Starair Aircraft, based in Hunan province, China. As per Starair's website, this single-engine aircraft dominates over 70% of China's light sports aircraft market and has been exported to countries like Australia and the United States.

The aircraft's maximum cruising speed is 220 kilometers per hour, with a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kilograms (1,322 pounds), as stated on the website.