Beijing Authorities Confirm LSA Accident
The sole occupant of the aircraft, the pilot, was confirmed dead.
The Beijing Chaoyang District government issued an official statement on June 27, confirming that a light sport aircraft struck a high-rise building in Chaoyang District on the evening of June 26.
According to the official notice (translated to English) —
“At approximately 17:55 on June 26, 2026, a single-engine, two-seat light sport aircraft collided with a high-rise building near the East Third Ring Road in Chaoyang District, Beijing. The sole occupant of the aircraft, the pilot, was confirmed dead. Thirteen people at the scene were injured and are receiving medical treatment. The relevant authorities are conducting a further investigation.”
Emergency services, including firefighters, police and ambulances, responded promptly. The fire was brought under control and occupants of the tower were evacuated, authorities said.
From local and international media —
The aircraft reportedly took off from an airport in Pinggu District east of Beijing at approximately 5:30 p.m. and was preparing to return for landing when its flight path deviated, tracking data cited by media showed.
The aircraft struck the eastern facade of the 528-metre (1,732-foot) CITIC Tower, also known as “China Zun,” Beijing’s tallest building, according to media reports.
Online footage showed the aircraft broke apart on impact, scattering debris onto the street below. A fire was visible at the building’s eastern entrance canopy.
Some media reports identified the pilot as a trainee conducting a solo training flight. This information has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Chinese media reports say the aircraft was an Aurora SA60L with registration B-12PP, operated by Beijing Xiangyu General Aviation Co., Ltd., (北京翔宇通用航空有限公司) a company based in Pinggu District, Beijing.
The SA60L is developed by Starair Aircraft Co., Ltd; the light sport aircraft is gaining traction in Australia.
Author’s note — I became aware of the aviation occurrence through regional media reports on June 26 but chose not to report until official confirmation was available. On aircraft accidents involving loss of life, I take a cautious approach that requires verification.
For those interested — Aircraft accident investigation is guided by ICAO Annex 13, divided into four parts. It's not an easy read — but well worth it for understanding the investigation process.
My aircraft investigation experience includes, but is not limited to, direct involvement in investigations, training under Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee (great folks), supporting Cambodia’s air accident investigation unit, including drafting of key documents (more great folks), and co-leading a multilateral project on air accident investigation cooperation among Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam (more, more great folks).
I am also a team member for Kenyon International, on standby for mass fatality events, including aviation occurrences.
Due to confidentiality, I can only disclose certain activities.
In upcoming posts, I will take a closer look at two general aviation (GA) accident investigation reports that were recently released by China's regulator.
The reports offer valuable insight into how Chinese authorities handle GA occurrences, and will provide further context for understanding the regulatory landscape.