[kellyhound]

On July 21, 2026, a sightseeing Harbin XLI (Celier Xenon) gyrocopter crashed at the Chaka Salt Lake Sky No. 1 Scenic Area in Qinghai Province, China, injuring 2 tourists on the ground.

The aircraft (registration B-72HX) was operating a low-altitude scenic flight at 12:08 PM when it suddenly lost control and spiraled down near the shoreline, striking pedestrian guardrails and visitors.

Investigators believe the gyrocopter flew directly into the rotor downwash (wake turbulence) generated by another gyrocopter flying nearby, causing an immediate loss of lift.

The two tourists struck by the aircraft suffered head injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Chaka Town. Local authorities report that their vital signs are stable and they remain conscious.

The pilot and the passengers on the gyrocopter emerged completely unharmed. The aircraft sustained substantial structure and landing gear damage.

Local aviation and police authorities have impounded the aircraft as a thorough investigation into the pilot's actions and operational safety gaps continues.