Key facts
- China has grounded all private light fixed-wing aircraft following a crash into Beijing's CITIC Tower.
- The pilot of the aircraft was killed, and 13 people were injured.
- A nationwide airspace control order banning recreational flights has been issued.
- The incident occurred during evening rush hour in Beijing's central business district.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
- Stocks in China's low-altitude-airspace industry saw declines on Monday.
China has grounded all private light fixed-wing aircraft following a crash into Beijing's tallest building last week, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing operators. The pilot of the twin-seat aircraft was killed, and 13 people who were not on board were injured in the incident that occurred during evening rush hour.
A nationwide airspace control order covering recreational flights has been issued, with all relevant flying activities banned, according to the report. The restrictions have not been publicly announced, and authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
China's airspace is among the most tightly controlled globally, with the military holding primary authority. Beijing has a permanent no-fly zone over its political core, and commercial jets are routed around urban areas, with general aviation restricted to the outskirts. The crash, occurring shortly before the Communist Party's 105th anniversary, places the incident under heightened political scrutiny.
Stocks related to China's low-altitude-airspace industry saw declines on Monday, with CITIC Offshore Helicopter shares down 4% and Zongsen Power Machinery down 7.7%.