Thirteen people, including eleven passengers and two pilots, died in a small tourist plane crash in Peru after taking off from Pisco airport, according to local authorities cited by Reuters and AFP. The aircraft, operated by Peruvian airline Aerodiana, went down approximately six kilometers from the city of Nazca and about twelve kilometers from the famous Nazca Lines, according to police reports.
Details of the Tragedy Near Nazca
The crash occurred after 1:00 p.m. local time following a departure from the airport in Pisco, located roughly 240 kilometers from Peru’s capital, Lima, according to wire service reports. Major Jorge Andrade of the Peruvian police confirmed to journalists that there were no survivors given the scale of the accident. Authorities had recovered four bodies by the time initial statements were released.
Police did not immediately provide information regarding the potential cause of the crash. The Peruvian General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) is scheduled to conduct an official investigation into the incident. Firefighters and police units responded to the scene, where local media footage showed aircraft wreckage and rising smoke, according to AFP.
Did you know? Pisco airport handles dozens of small tourist aircraft daily, serving travelers eager to view the ancient geoglyphs from the air.
Tourism and Historical Safety Concerns
Aerial tours over the Nazca Lines represent a major draw for international visitors wishing to see the UNESCO World Heritage site from above. The desert geoglyphs, etched into the Sechura Desert sands between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, depict various animals, plants, and geometric figures. However, the region has a history of fatal aviation incidents involving tour flights.
Reuters noted that representatives from Aerodiana did not respond to requests for comment following the latest crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Peru plane crash?
Thirteen people died, including eleven passengers and two crew members, according to Peruvian police.
Which airline operated the crashed aircraft?
The plane belonged to Peruvian airline Aerodiana, according to local authorities.
Where did the flight originate?
The flight departed from the airport in Pisco, which is situated about 240 kilometers from Lima.
Who is investigating the accident?
The Peruvian General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) is handling the official investigation.
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