Tragic Flight Over Ancient Geoglyphs
A small sightseeing aircraft carrying 11 European tourists crashed on Saturday near Peru's famed Nazca Lines, resulting in the deaths of all 13 individuals on board. The incident occurred in a field outside the southern city of Nazca, devastating what was intended to be a scenic tour over the ancient geoglyphs.
The Cessna Caravan C-208 aircraft, operated by local Peruvian airline Aerodiana, had departed from Pisco Airport around 12:10 PM local time. Approximately 50 minutes later, at 1:00 PM, the crew reported an emergency to the control tower at Nazca airport before all radio contact was lost, according to Peru's Transportation Ministry.
Victims Identified
The Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the deceased include 11 European tourists, along with the Peruvian pilot, Américo Salazar, and co-pilot, Irenka Guanilo del Carpio. The European victims were identified as seven Italians, aged between 18 and 54; two Spaniards, both 52 years old; and two Germans, aged 77 and 78.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori expressed profound regret over the tragic accident and indicated that a temporary suspension of the Nazca airport was under consideration. A final decision on the airport's status is pending reports from relevant ministries.
The Nazca Lines: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Nazca Lines are enormous geoglyphs carved into the desert plains of southern Peru centuries ago by indigenous inhabitants. These intricate drawings and geometric figures are a major tourist attraction, drawing approximately 100,000 visitors annually who typically view them from small aircraft flying overhead. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its archaeological significance and mysterious origins.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have promptly launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. The small plane belonged to Aerodiana, an airline that states on its website it has operated sightseeing flights over the Nazca Lines for the past 14 years using Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. The investigation will seek to determine the factors that led to this devastating accident.