Peru has grounded Aerodiana after a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed near the Nazca Lines, killing 11 European tourists and two Peruvian crew. Pilots reported a mechanical problem before radio contact was lost, and investigators are analyzing the distress call, flight path and wreckage. Pisco Airport remains operational while authorities assess liability and continue the probe. Similar sightseeing crashes near the Nazca Lines occurred in 2010 and 2022.
Sightseeing Plane Crashes Near Peru’s Nazca Lines, Killing 11 European Tourists; Aerodiana Grounded
Authorities work where a small aircraft carrying tourists from Germany, Italy and Spain crashed near the Nazca Lines archaeological site, in Nazca, Peru, on August 1. - Elvis Comasongo/Reuters
Peru has suspended operations of sightseeing carrier Aerodiana after one of its planes crashed in the Ica region on Saturday, killing 11 European tourists and two Peruvian crew members.
What Happened
The small sightseeing aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan certified for up to 12 passengers, crashed about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Nazca airfield shortly after departing Pisco Airport on a tour over the UNESCO World Heritage Nazca Lines. Authorities said the pilots reported a mechanical problem before radio contact was lost.
Investigation Under Way
Peru's Ministry of Transportation and Communications ordered Aerodiana's operations suspended until investigators complete checks on the airline's compliance with aviation regulations, procedures and operating requirements. The Aviation Accident Investigation Commission is analyzing the pilots' emergency call, the aircraft's flight path and mechanical evidence recovered from the wreckage to determine the cause of the accident.
Victims And Response
Those aboard included 11 tourists—seven Italian, two German and two Spanish—and two Peruvian crew members. Peruvian Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Rogers Valencia said the Italian and German consuls attended the crash site. Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, expressed condolences and said families had been notified. Aerodiana issued a statement offering condolences, reaffirming a long-standing commitment to safety and pledging full cooperation with authorities.
Operational Impact
Officials said Pisco Airport, the flight's departure point, remains operational while authorities evaluate any potential liability. President Keiko Fujimori said a suspension of the airport's operations was under consideration but that she preferred to await investigation findings and ministerial reports before making a decision.
Context
Sightseeing flights over the Nazca Lines have experienced deadly accidents before: a 2022 crash killed five tourists and two crew members, and a 2010 accident killed four British tourists and two Peruvian crew members. The new crash has renewed scrutiny of sightseeing operations in the area.
"There was a call from the aircraft indicating that it was experiencing mechanical problems," said Minister Rogers Valencia. Investigators continue to gather evidence and review recordings and flight data to determine the cause.
Sources: Peruvian authorities, Aerodiana statement, statements from Italy's government, and reporting from CNN and EFE.
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