A sightseeing flight over Peru’s famous Nazca Lines ended in tragedy on August 1, 2026, when a small tourist plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Pisco airport, killing all 13 people aboard.
The aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by AeroDiana, was carrying 11 passengers and two crew members. The passengers included seven Italians, two Germans, and two Spaniards, according to the Peruvian transport ministry.
Police Major Jorge Andrade confirmed there were no survivors. Emergency teams recovered four bodies at the crash site in the Vista Alegre district near Nazca, about 240 kilometers south of Lima.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash but are investigating the incident. Preliminary reports suggest an in-flight emergency may have occurred. Firefighters and police worked amid the wreckage, with one plane wheel found detached from the main debris.
Tourism and Safety Concerns
The Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mysterious geoglyphs dating back over 2,000 years, attract many tourists who often take aerial tours to view the site.
President Keiko Fujimori indicated the government is considering closing the Pisco airport following the accident. The airport handles numerous small aircraft flights catering to foreign tourists.
Previous accidents have occurred in the area, including a 2022 crash that killed seven people and a 2010 incident involving British tourists and Peruvian crew members.
Next Steps
- Peru’s civil aviation authority and air accident agency have launched an investigation.
- AeroDiana has pledged to provide further information soon.
- Local officials continue to assess safety measures for tourist flights over the Nazca Lines.
