A small two-seater sports aircraft crashed into a high-rise building in Beijing’s Chaoyang district on Friday, June 26, 2026, killing the pilot and injuring at least 13 people, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at 5:55 p.m. when the plane struck a 108-story building in the city’s busy commercial area. Officials have not released the name of the building or the identity of the pilot.

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the aircraft hit the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, one of Beijing’s tallest landmarks. The tower, designed in the shape of an ancient Chinese wine vessel, is a well-known feature of the city’s skyline. Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Beijing is known for its strict airspace control, and the reason behind the aircraft’s collision with the skyscraper remains unclear as of now.