BEIJING (AP) - Chinese authorities reported on Saturday that a small plane that crashed into a building in Beijing on Friday resulted in the death of the pilot and injuries to 13 others. The incident took place in the Chaoyang district, a bustling business area known for its cluster of skyscrapers.

According to the local authorities, the two-seat light sport aircraft collided with a high-rise building at 5:55 p.m. on Friday. A brief statement released on WeChat did not disclose the name of the building or the identity of the pilot involved in the crash. However, global flight tracking service Flightradar24 suggested that the plane impacted the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun. This striking structure is notable for its height, standing over 1,700 feet (528 meters), and is located just east of a major ring road surrounded by multiple skyscrapers.

The CITIC Tower, which features a design resembling an ancient Chinese wine vessel, is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Beijing and holds the title of the tallest building in the city. The crash caused damage to the building, but specific details regarding the extent of those damages were not made known immediately.

As the investigation into the crash commences, authorities expressed uncertainty over the cause of the incident, especially considering Beijing's stringent airspace regulations that include a recent prohibition on drone flights. Such controls are typically implemented to ensure the safety and security of urban air traffic.

The continuing inquiry aims to uncover the circumstances that led to the aircraft colliding with one of Beijing's most prominent towers. The incident has raised questions about air safety protocols and the effectiveness of regulatory measures in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Authorities are expected to provide updates as more information about the crash becomes available.

The tragic accident underscores the potential risks associated with small aircraft operations in densely populated urban areas, prompting discussions around airspace management and the safety of aerial navigation in city environments.