Pilot Killed, 13 hurt after light aircraft slams into Beijing skyscraper

A pilot was killed and 13 people were injured after a light aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, prompting Chinese authorities to launch an investigation into the rare aviation incident.

The accident occurred at about 5:55 pm on Friday in Beijing’s Chaoyang District when the two-seat light sport aircraft struck the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, a 108-storey landmark in the capital’s central business district.

Authorities said the pilot, who was the aircraft’s only occupant, died in the crash. Thirteen people on the ground sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Officials have not disclosed whether those injured were inside the building or were struck by falling debris.

Images from the scene showed damage to the tower’s glass façade, with several panels shattered at an upper level. Emergency responders quickly secured the area while police restricted access to roads surrounding the building.

The aircraft has been identified as a Sunward SA60L Aurora light sport plane registered as B-12PP. Reports indicate it had taken off from an airport about 50 kilometres east of Beijing before heading towards the city.

Officials have not yet determined what caused the crash. An investigation is under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The crash is regarded as highly unusual because Beijing has some of the world’s most tightly controlled airspace, with strict restrictions on flights over the city centre.