A light aircraft, reportedly a domestically manufactured Sunward SA60L Aurora, crashed into Beijing's tallest building, the CITIC Tower (China Zun), on Friday, causing significant damage including shattered windows and falling debris. The impact left a visible hole in the skyscraper, headquarters of the state-owned CITIC Group, and prompted authorities to cordon off the area and evacuate individuals from the building. While the number of occupants on board the aircraft and any potential casualties remain unconfirmed, the incident has raised questions about aviation safety in the capital, especially considering the strict regulations for light sport aircraft operation in Beijing.

A light aircraft, reportedly a domestically manufactured Sunward SA60L Aurora, crashed into Beijing's tallest building, the CITIC Tower (China Zun), on Friday, causing significant damage including shattered windows and falling debris. The impact left a visible hole in the skyscraper, headquarters of the state-owned CITIC Group, and prompted authorities to cordon off the area and evacuate individuals from the building. While the number of occupants on board the aircraft and any potential casualties remain unconfirmed, the incident has raised questions about aviation safety in the capital, especially considering the strict regulations for light sport aircraft operation in Beijing.

A light aircraft, reportedly a domestically manufactured Sunward SA60L Aurora, crashed into Beijing's tallest building, the CITIC Tower (China Zun), on Friday, causing significant damage including shattered windows and falling debris. The impact left a visible hole in the skyscraper, headquarters of the state-owned CITIC Group, and prompted authorities to cordon off the area and evacuate individuals from the building. While the number of occupants on board the aircraft and any potential casualties remain unconfirmed, the incident has raised questions about aviation safety in the capital, especially considering the strict regulations for light sport aircraft operation in Beijing.

A light aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest building, the 109-storey CITIC Tower, on Friday, shattering windows and sending debris falling from the skyscraper before breaking apart on impact.

The aircraft struck the side of the tower, leaving a visible hole in the exterior of the building, also known as China Zun, which serves as the headquarters of the state-owned CITIC Group.

Videos and images circulating on social media showed debris falling from the tower following the crash. At least two windows appeared to have been shattered in the collision.

Images shared online showing the aircraft's registration code suggested it was a domestically manufactured Sunward SA60L Aurora light sport aircraft.

It was not immediately clear how many people were on board the aircraft or whether the crash caused any casualties.

Authorities cordoned off the area around the skyscraper. Police closed several roads leading to the building, while officers were seen preventing people from taking photographs and asking bystanders to leave the area, a Reuters report said.

According to the South China Morning Post, one woman who was inside the building said she had been evacuated immediately after the incident.

"I ran out without my ID card or bag," she was quoted as saying.

"It was so loud louder than fireworks," Reuters quoted a person, who had rushed to the building after hearing a loud crash.

One social media post claimed the aircraft was operated by a local company that provides private pilot training, aerial sightseeing and aircraft management services.

It is to be noted that flying light sport aircraft in Beijing requires approval from both the civil aviation administration of China and the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the crash.

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