13 killed after plane carrying European tourists to view Peru's Nazca Lines crashes | What happened

President Keiko Fujimori expressed regret over the plane crash in which all 13 people on board were killed.

Published on: Aug 2, 2026, 11:18:32 IST

Edited by Anushka Awasthi

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A small plane carrying European tourists to view Peru's Nazca Lines archaeological site crashed into a field outside the Peruvian city of Nazca on Saturday, killing all 13 on board.

Nazca's municipal government reportedly said that the plane had departed from the nearby city of Ica and was operated by Peruvian company Aerodiana. (File Photo/AFP)

The tourist plane was carrying 11 European visitors and two crew members.

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What happened?

The fatal crash occurred shortly after 1 pm (1800 GMT) on Saturday after the Cessna 208 Caravan took off from the airport in Pisco, located about 240 kilometers south of Lima.

“We have information that 11 passengers and two crew members have died,” AFP quoted Police Major Jorge Andrade as saying.

"Given the severity of the accident, there are no survivors. We have recovered four bodies so far," he added.

In a statement, municipal officials in Vista Alegre, where the crash happened, said that according to preliminary information, the crash may have been caused by “in-flight emergency”.

Andrade, however, did not give any details on what could have been the cause.

Peru's civil aviation authority and the air accident agency will investigate the accident.

Nazca's municipal government informed that the plane had departed from the nearby city of Ica and was operated by Peruvian company Aerodiana, according to a report by AP.

Meanwhile, the airline on its website said that it offered flights over the Nazca lines for the past 14 years using Cessna Grand Caravan planes.

President Keiko Fujimori expressed regret over the accident and said a “temporary suspension” of the airport was being considered.

Wreckage of the small plane involved in the fatal accident. (File Photo/AFP)

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Foreign tourists on board the plane

According to AP, Peru's Transportation Ministry informed that the deceased included:

7 Italian citizens (Aged 18 to 54)

2 German citizens (Aged 77 and 78)

2 Spanish citizens (Both aged 52)

The two other fatalities were — pilot Américo Salazar and copilot Irenka Guanilo del Carpio.

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Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are geoglyphs etched into the desert sands that date back to between 500 BC and 500 AD, as per the AFP report.

Even now, the meaning of the geometric shapes and animal outlines remains a mystery.

(with inputs from agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anushka Awasthi
Anushka Awasthi is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she covers politics, geopolitics, and major national and international developments. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi. Passionate about India's political landscape, Anushka believes that politics shapes every aspect of society, from public policy to everyday life. This drives her to deliver timely, accurate, and researched news that helps readers make sense of everyday developments. Before joining Hindustan Times, Anushka worked with the Zee News English website, reporting extensively on Indian politics and international affairs. During her tenure, she also wrote a range of interviews and analytical stories, focusing on key political and international affairs events. Her reporting is driven by a strong interest in journalism and a dedication to balanced reporting. She strives to present news with clarity and context in the digital era. She aims to ensure that readers stay informed about issues that matter. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys planning her next travel adventure to various corners of India, reading classical books, and binging sitcoms. A coffee enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for new places and experiences.Read More

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