Beijing Skyscraper Crash: Small Plane Hits 109 Story CITIC Tower, Debris Falls

A small aircraft collided with the CITIC Tower, Beijing's tallest building, on Friday afternoon. Debris was seen falling from the 109 story skyscraper, causing a fire on the ground and leading to an emergency evacuation of the area as authorities responded to the scene.

A major aviation accident occurred in the heart of the Chinese capital on Friday afternoon when a small aircraft collided with Beijing's tallest building, while the incident, which took place at the iconic CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, has sent shockwaves through the city. The 109 story skyscraper, a prominent feature of the Beijing skyline, was struck by the light aircraft, leading to immediate chaos and the falling of debris from significant heights.

Visual Evidence and Immediate Aftermath

Videos capturing the terrifying moment and its aftermath have surfaced on social media, showing the gravity of the situation. In the viral footage, debris can be seen raining down from the upper levels of the 109 story structure. On the ground, the scene was equally grim, with the tail section of the aircraft visible among the wreckage. The impact wasn't limited to the building alone; a taxi parked or passing nearby was seen with a shattered window, likely caused by the falling fragments of the plane or the building's facade.

Emergency Response and Evacuation

The collision triggered an immediate emergency response. As debris fell to the ground, a fire broke out near the base of the skyscraper, further complicating the rescue efforts. Authorities acted swiftly to evacuate the skyscraper, with hundreds of people seen streaming out of the building. Large crowds gathered near the entry gates and on surrounding streets as they watched the unfolding disaster. Fire brigades, police units, and multiple ambulances arrived at the scene shortly after the crash to manage the fire, secure the perimeter, and provide medical assistance.

Aircraft Identification and Flight Path Anomalies

Preliminary investigations based on the registration code visible in the viral videos suggest that the aircraft involved was a Sunward SA 60L Aurora. This model is a domestically manufactured light sports aircraft belonging to a local general aviation company. Unconfirmed flight data from Flightradar24, which was posted online following the incident, indicates that the aircraft's flight path had deviated Notably from its intended or scheduled route. This deviation is currently a focal point for investigators trying to determine how the plane ended up in such close proximity to the restricted airspace of central Beijing.

Regulatory Context and Safety Measures

The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security and strict aviation regulations in the capital. Since May 1, Beijing has implemented new and rigorous rules regarding the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles and light aircraft. Under these regulations, flying drones is completely prohibited in large parts of the city. Residents in these areas aren't permitted to purchase, rent, or fly drones without explicit government approval, while while this incident involved a manned light aircraft rather than a drone, the strict enforcement of airspace safety remains a critical concern for the local administration.

Plane CRASHES into skyscraper in Beijing, China

Small plane hit 109-story CITIC Tower — tallest one in the city pic.twitter.com/0o4xEr0MKj
— RT Intl (@RT_on_X) June 26, 2026

Crashed plane falls right near the tower causing FIRE

Debris of the plane are scattered all over the street https://t.co/vSwj7i1wBE pic.twitter.com/mjysJmaocA
— RT Intl (@RT_on_X) June 26, 2026