Small plane hit Beijing's tallest tower. What happened?

A small propeller aircraft reportedly hit Beijing’s tallest tower, prompting investigation into aviation safety and low-altitude operations. Reuters reviewed an infographic for the Sunward SA60L Aurora, listing a cruise speed of 220 km/h, a maximum ceiling of 4,200 km, a maximum range of 1,200 km, and a two-seat layout for a pilot and co-pilot. Images circulated online showed debris with registration B-12PP, while promotional materials reviewed by Reuters suggested the aircraft may have been operated by Beijing-based Dongshi Shuangyue General Aviation. A Dongshi Shuangyue employee contacted by Reuters said she was unsure whether B-12PP belonged to the company. The crash has led some scenic flight operators to suspend services while awaiting regulator guidance, and industry figures said they were unclear on whether further restrictions would be imposed. Reuters also found that, minutes before impact, Hainan Airlines Flight 7146, an Airbus A330-300 approaching Beijing Capital International Airport, showed a close altitude separation of just over 1,000 feet and executed a go-around before landing from the opposite direction. Beijing Capital International Airport and Hainan Airlines did not comment.