Overview
- The two-seat Aurora SA60L light aircraft struck the 109‑storey CITIC Tower on Friday, June 26, killing the lone pilot and injuring 13 people.
- Beijing’s Chaoyang district government identified the pilot only by his surname, Liu, and said investigators found long‑term insomnia and anxiety and diary entries mentioning 'ending his life', concluding the crash was caused by personal reasons.
- Flight data show the plane deviated from its approved operating area, lost contact with air traffic control and came close to a Hainan Airlines A330 that aborted its approach, raising questions about interception and radar tracking of small aircraft.
- State media posted only brief details and online posts and videos were quickly removed, while general aviation operators and flight schools report suspensions and safety inspections ordered after the crash.
- A formal probe remains open with a preliminary report expected under international practice within 30 days, and officials face pressure to explain gaps in low‑altitude oversight as China expands its general aviation sector.