Beijing plane crash clouds China's low-altitude flights, uncovers safety gaps

A crash involving a small plane into Beijing’s CITIC Tower is affecting China’s low-altitude flight sector and exposing potential safety gaps, according to Reuters. The incident occurred on June 26 near the East Third Ring Road in Chaoyang District at 5:55 p.m. local time (0955 GMT), when a single-engine, two-seat light sport aircraft collided with the 108-storey building. The pilot died, and 13 other people were injured at the site, while Beijing district authorities said an investigation was underway. Operators of scenic flights reported suspensions, including a Beijing-based provider that halted tours and a Qingdao company that suspended services under control measures, with uncertainty on when restrictions could lift. Reuters also reported that discussion of the crash on social media was removed and bystanders were reportedly told to delete footage. The CAAC had previously said low-altitude aviation could reach a 3.5 trillion yuan ($516 billion) market by 2035.