A small tourist aircraft operated by AeroDiana crashed shortly after takeoff from the Pisco airfield in Peru on August 2, 2026, resulting in the deaths of all 13 people on board. According to police commander Jorge Andrade, the flight was carrying 11 foreign tourists and two crew members toward the Nazca Lines, a major archaeological site, when the accident occurred approximately 240 kilometers south of Lima.
Investigation Into the AeroDiana Crash
Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors following the crash, which took place shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time. While the site remains under investigation by the Peruvian Civil Aviation Authority, emergency responders including police and firefighters were deployed to the location to manage the debris field, as reported by local correspondents.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade verified that all 11 passengers were foreign nationals. While official identification of the victims is pending, reports from the radio station RPP indicated that the group included seven Italian, two German, and two Spanish citizens. The aircraft, operated by AeroDiana, had been conducting standard aerial sightseeing tours of the geoglyphs.
Did you know?
The Nazca Lines consist of geoglyphs—including animals and geometric shapes—etched into the desert floor over 2,000 years ago. These structures are only fully visible from the air, making small-aircraft tours the primary method for international visitors to view the site.
Aviation Safety in the Nazca Region
This incident follows a series of fatal aviation accidents involving tourist flights over the Nazca region. In 2022, a crash resulted in seven fatalities, including two Chilean and three Dutch nationals. Prior to that, in October 2010, four British tourists and two Peruvian crew members died when their aircraft went down while touring the geoglyphs.
AeroDiana and other regional operators typically offer 30-to-60-minute flights to provide tourists with a vantage point of the desert figures. Researchers remain divided on the purpose of the lines, with some suggesting they served as astronomical observatories and others proposing they functioned as ancient calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the AeroDiana flight to crash?
The cause of the crash is currently unknown. The Peruvian Civil Aviation Authority has launched an official investigation to determine the factors that led to the accident.
Are there survivors from the August 2, 2026, incident?
No. Police commander Jorge Andrade confirmed that due to the severity of the crash, there were no survivors among the 11 passengers and two crew members.
What are the Nazca Lines?
The Nazca Lines are a collection of ancient geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert created over 2,000 years ago. They are a popular tourist destination, often viewed via small sightseeing planes.
Pro Tip:
Travelers interested in visiting archaeological sites in remote regions should always verify the safety records of local tour operators and check for current travel advisories issued by their respective national embassies.
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