Small helicopter loses control during emergency landing in eastern China, two hospitalised
A small helicopter conducting a low-altitude test flight in eastern China lost control and was forced to make an emergency landing, during which its tail section broke off. The two people on board were hospitalised and are reported to be in stable condition.
CHINA: A small helicopter lost control while conducting a low-altitude test flight in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, on 11 June 2026, forcing an emergency landing that left the aircraft severely damaged.
The incident occurred at around 2 pm in Wujin District, according to local authorities.
Videos recorded by witnesses showed the helicopter descending before making a hard landing, with the aircraft's tail section breaking off during the impact.
The footage also appeared to show the occupants experiencing significant jolting as the helicopter came to a stop.
Two occupants hospitalised
Officials from the Changzhou Emergency Management Bureau said the two people on board were promptly taken to hospital following the incident.
Authorities said both occupants sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were in stable condition.
No fire was reported following the crash.
Investigation underway
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Jiangsu Regulatory Bureau has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Aviation Safety Network identified the aircraft as a Zhonglian F-27 helicopter operated by Zhonglian Aeronautical Technologies.
The organisation reported that the aircraft was substantially damaged during the incident.
According to Aviation Safety Network, footage circulating online appeared to suggest the helicopter may have entered a state known as ground resonance before parts of the airframe broke apart.
However, the organisation noted that the assessment was based on news reports, social media footage and other unofficial sources.
Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the accident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
