Small Plane Crashes Into Beijing Skyscraper, Killing Pilot

BEIJING (AP) — A light aircraft struck Beijing’s 109-story CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, on Friday evening before crashing to the ground outside the building, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people, local authorities said Saturday. Officials in the Chaoyang district said the two-seat aircraft collided with the high-rise at around 5:55 p.m. local time in the city’s central business district, causing damage to the building’s exterior and debris to fall into surrounding streets. Emergency crews, including firefighters, police and medical teams, responded quickly as the area was cordoned off and nearby roads were closed.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash, which occurred in airspace subject to strict regulation in Beijing, where private and light aircraft operations are heavily restricted. Investigators are reviewing flight data and surveillance footage as they work to determine how the aircraft deviated from its intended path and struck the structure. Officials also have not identified the pilot or the company operating the aircraft, and it remains unclear whether mechanical failure, human error or other factors were involved.