A single-engine Sunward SA-60L Aurora aircraft with registration B-12PP, flown by a lone pilot struck the CITIC tower in Beijing, reportedly around the mid-levels, around 65th floor area today.

The aircraft was completely damaged on impact, also made a visible hole in the glass facade, shattering windows, and sending debris raining down.

CITIC Tower is Beijing’s tallest skyscraper and a major landmark in the city’s Central Business District in Chaoyang District.

The aircraft had departed from a nearby airport (Shifosi), deviated from its planned flight path before the impact.

The cause, whether pilot error or mechanical issue, is not yet known.

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