Aircraft crashes into tallest building in Beijing

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, June 27, 2026

A small Sunward SA60L Aurora aircraft crashed into the upper floors of Beijing’s CITIC Tower, causing evacuations and a major emergency response in the city’s central business district. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing strict airspace regulations around the capital and raises questions about flight safety and enforcement amidst China’s push to expand its general aviation sector.

A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest building, the CITIC Tower—also known as China Zun—on Friday evening, prompting evacuations and a significant emergency response. The incident occurred in the city’s central business district and drew a heavy police, fire, and ambulance presence.

Eyewitnesses and social media videos showed debris falling from the upper floors of the 109-story skyscraper, which rises 528 meters (1,732 feet). The impact created a visible hole in the glass facade on one side of the building. Authorities have not released an official statement regarding the crash or any casualties.

According to information from global flight-tracking service FlightRadar24, the aircraft involved was a Sunward SA60L Aurora, a two-seat, single-engine light sport aircraft produced by China’s Starair Aircraft Co. The plane, registered B-12PP, was operated by Shuangyue General Aviation, based at Shifosi Airport near Beijing. Data indicated the aircraft took off from this airport and circled before flying directly toward the city center.

The Sunward SA60L Aurora weighs approximately 1,300 pounds and has a wingspan of about 28 feet. It is widely used for flight training and recreational purposes, with Shuangyue General Aviation promoting services including sightseeing and pilot instruction.

Several eyewitnesses described the scene to news agencies. One woman, surnamed Lin, said she was evacuated from the tower around 6 p.m., leaving without personal belongings in the rush. Others noted the aircraft looked roughly the size of a small car. Photos and videos circulating online showed pieces of the aircraft’s fuselage and other debris near the tower, consistent with the registered tail number B-12PP. However, many social media posts regarding the incident were swiftly removed in China, and some users reported restrictions on forwarding related content.

The CITIC Tower is a distinctive landmark in Beijing, designed to resemble an ancient Chinese wine vessel. It is located in a heavily monitored airspace, with strict controls imposed on general aviation flights. In recent years, Chinese authorities have tightly regulated air traffic around the capital, including prohibitions on consumer drone operations introduced last month.

General aviation in China operates within strict parameters due to military authority over much of the country’s airspace. Operators must file detailed flight plans and adhere to specific routes. Despite these limitations, the Chinese government has promoted growth in the sector as part of a broader strategy to develop the "low-altitude economy," which encompasses industries reliant on low-flying aircraft.

At the time of reporting, Shuangyue General Aviation had not responded to requests for comment, and Beijing officials had not provided further details on the cause or consequences of the crash. Emergency responders continued managing the scene, and authorities urged onlookers to leave the area and cease photography.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.