Small plane crashes into Beijing's tallest building, killing pilot and injuring 13

A small, single-engine, two-seater aircraft crashed into the CITIC Tower, Beijing's tallest skyscraper, on Tuesday afternoon, killing the sole occupant, the pilot. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:55 PM, also resulted in injuries to 13 people on the ground. The CITIC Tower, located in Beijing's central business district, is a prominent landmark, standing 108 stories above ground.

Following the crash, several roads around the tower were cordoned off, with a significant police presence reported. Eyewitnesses noted strict controls in the area, with attempts to approach or film the building being discouraged. Special vehicles, possibly radar equipment, were observed at the scene.

The crash has prompted industry expectations of the "strictest no-fly zone order" in Beijing. Reports suggest that pilot training and all non-essential general aviation activities in the Beijing area have been temporarily suspended. Aviation authorities have reportedly been notified to halt general aviation operations within a 300-kilometer radius of Beijing.

Further measures include requirements for government or relevant authority approval for essential flights, such as those for official business, pilot training, emergency rescue, and necessary production operations. Additionally, units are instructed to cooperate with public security departments in background checks and to conduct technical and health assessments of pilots, maintaining records for at least one year. The aircraft, identified as B-12PP, was reportedly based at the Shi Fosi General Aviation Airport in Beijing's Pinggu District.