13 dead in Peru tourist plane crash over Nazca Lines
A tourist plane flying over Peru's Nazca Lines crashed, killing at least 13 people. The aircraft, operated by Aerodiana, went down after departing from Ica.
At least 13 people have died after a tourist aircraft crashed into a field in Peru while flying over the country's iconic Nazca Lines, local officials said. The plane, operated by Peruvian airline Aerodiana, had departed from the nearby city of Ica for a sightseeing tour of the ancient geoglyphs.
What are the Nazca Lines?
The Nazca Lines are a series of enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert floor of southern Peru, created by Indigenous peoples centuries ago. Depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes, the designs span hundreds of meters and are best viewed from the air. They have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a major tourist draw, with flyovers among the most popular ways to see them.
The crash and investigation
Nazca's municipal government said the plane crashed into a field after leaving Ica, about 44 kilometers away. The exact time and cause of the crash have not been disclosed. Peruvian authorities have launched an investigation, and Aerodiana could not be reached for immediate comment. Rescue teams responded to the scene, and officials are working to notify the families of the victims.
Safety record of small aircraft tours
Tourist flights over the Nazca Lines are a staple of the region's tourism industry, but they carry inherent risks. Small planes often operate at low altitudes over rugged terrain, and accidents, while not common, have occurred in the past. In recent years, global aviation watchdogs have called for tighter oversight of sightseeing operations. However, it is too early to speculate on what may have caused this crash.
Impact on tourism and next steps
The crash is likely to raise questions about the safety protocols for sightseeing flights over the Nazca Lines. Tour operators may face closer scrutiny as investigators examine the wreckage and flight records. For now, the priority is supporting the victims' families and determining the cause of this tragedy. The Peruvian government is expected to release more information in the coming days, and any findings could reshape how the famous geoglyphs are toured.