# Pilot Dies as Small Plane Crashes into Beijing's CITIC Tower

*A pilot was killed and 13 others injured when a small plane crashed into Beijing's CITIC Tower.*

June 28, 2026 · World

## At a glance

- Pilot killed in small plane crash into Beijing's CITIC Tower.
- 13 people injured at the scene of the incident.
- Authorities conducting further investigation into the cause.

A pilot was killed and 13 people were injured when a small aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest building, the CITIC Tower, on Friday evening. Chinese authorities confirmed the incident but did not specify the cause.

## Incident Details

The crash occurred at 5:55 pm (0955 GMT) on Friday, according to a statement from the Chaoyang District authorities shared on WeChat. The aircraft, a single-engine, two-seat light plane, struck the 528-metre (1,732-foot) CITIC Tower, leaving a noticeable hole in the windows of one of the upper floors.

## Witness Accounts and Emergency Response

Witnesses reported seeing plane debris at the base of the tower. Video footage from a nearby building showed fire trucks spraying water on small flames on the ground and part of the plane beside the building. Police and ambulances quickly arrived at the scene, with officers preventing people from taking photos.

## Building and Airspace Context

The CITIC Tower, with 108 floors above ground and seven below, can accommodate 12,000 office workers. China enforces strict airspace restrictions, especially around urban areas like Beijing, citing public security concerns.

## Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are conducting a further investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the crash.

## Sources

- BSS

---
Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/pilot-killed-small-plane-crash-beijing-citic-tower