Small Plane Crashes into Beijing CITIC Tower: Pilot Killed, 13 Injured – June 26 2026
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Small Plane Crashes into Beijing’s Tallest Skyscraper: Pilot Killed, 13 Injured
BEIJING — A small light aircraft slammed into the upper floors of the CITIC Tower (also known as China Zun), Beijing’s tallest building, on Friday evening, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people on the ground in a rare and shocking incident in one of the world’s most heavily secured capitals.
The crash occurred around 5:55 p.m. local time on June 26, 2026, in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed debris and parts of the aircraft raining down onto the streets below, prompting crowds to flee the area as emergency services rushed to the scene.
What We Know So Far
Aircraft: A two-seat, single-engine light sport plane (reportedly a Sunward SA 60L Aurora, registration B-12PP).
Pilot: The sole occupant was killed in the impact. Chinese authorities confirmed his death on Saturday.
Injuries: Thirteen people on the ground or nearby were injured and are receiving medical treatment. No serious injuries inside the building have been reported.
Building: The 528-meter (1,732-foot) CITIC Tower sustained visible damage to its exterior. Debris fell from the structure, and a section of the building was later boarded up.
The plane had reportedly taken off from a nearby general aviation airport shortly before the crash. Authorities are investigating the cause, including possible mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors. Beijing’s tightly restricted airspace makes such incidents highly unusual.
Latest Updates (as of June 29, 2026)
Chaoyang District officials confirmed the details in a statement, noting that emergency response teams responded quickly.
Police sealed off the area around the tower, and investigations are ongoing.
No terrorism link has been suggested by authorities so far.
The incident has raised questions about aviation security in the Chinese capital, even for small general aviation aircraft.
This marks a rare aviation accident involving a high-rise building in Beijing, drawing global attention due to the symbolic nature of the landmark struck.
Small Plane Crashes into Beijing CITIC Tower: Pilot Killed, 13 Injured – June 26 2026
A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, the CITIC Tower, killing the pilot and injuring 13 others. Latest updates on the June 26 incident, investigation, and damage.
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