Peruvian authorities have launched an investigation into the crash of a sightseeing aircraft that claimed the lives of all 13 people on board near the world-famous Nazca Lines.
The Cessna 208 Caravan, operated by AeroDiana, crashed shortly after taking off from Pisco Airport, around 240 kilometers south of the capital, Lima. The flight was carrying tourists on an aerial tour of the ancient Nazca geoglyphs.
Among those killed were seven Italian nationals, two Germans, two Spaniards and two Peruvian crew members. Emergency teams carried out overnight recovery operations before the victims’ remains were transported to the regional morgue.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office said investigators would work with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the crash. Due to the condition of the bodies, DNA testing will be conducted to formally identify the victims before their remains are returned to their families.
Preliminary information suggests the pilot reported mechanical problems before the aircraft went down, although officials have not confirmed whether an engine failure caused the accident. Aviation investigators said the aircraft caught fire after striking the ground, with no indication of an explosion before impact.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences to the families of the victims, particularly after seven Italian citizens lost their lives in the tragedy.
AeroDiana said it was deeply saddened by the accident and is fully cooperating with investigators by providing all necessary information.
The Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring massive ancient geoglyphs carved into the desert, attract thousands of tourists every year and are most commonly viewed from the air. The region has witnessed similar aviation accidents in the past, including a 2022 sightseeing plane crash that killed seven people.
