Thirteen people died when an AeroDiana Cessna Caravan C-208 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Pisco aerodrome in Peru on its way to the Nazca Lines, according to the country’s Ministry of Transport. Police commander Jorge Andrade confirmed to media at the crash site that there were no survivors among the 11 passengers and two crew members.
Victim Demographics and Official Response
According to a Ministry of Transport spokesperson, the victims included 11 foreign tourists: seven Italians, two Germans, and two Spanish nationals, with ages ranging from 24 to 78 years old. Following the crash, newly sworn-in Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori expressed condolences and announced that authorities are studying a temporary suspension of operations at the Pisco aerodrome, located about 240 kilometers south of Lima. The government stated it would provide necessary support to the embassies of the deceased tourists’ home countries while the Air Accident Investigation Commission collects technical evidence at the disaster site in Vista Alegre, Nasca.
Did you know?
The Nazca Lines are ancient geoglyphs spread across the Sechura desert, featuring geometric shapes and animals that span over 2,000 years of history and can only be fully appreciated from the air.
Aviation Safety History at Nazca
Sightseeing flights over the Nazca Lines have faced fatal incidents in past years. In 2022, a plane crash in the area resulted in seven fatalities, including two Chilean and three Dutch nationals. A separate incident in October 2010 claimed the lives of four British tourists and two Peruvian crew members. AeroDiana, which operates flights lasting between 30 minutes and an hour over the geoglyphs, stated it would release an explanatory statement shortly after the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the AeroDiana flight to crash?
According to preliminary information provided by authorities to the municipality of Vista Alegre, the aircraft encountered a situation of emergency during the flight. The Air Accident Investigation Commission is currently gathering technical evidence at the scene.
Who were the victims of the Pisco aerodrome crash?
The Ministry of Transport confirmed that all 11 passengers and two crew members died, including seven Italian, two German, and two Spanish tourists ranging in age from 24 to 78.
What are the Nazca Lines?
Located in the Sechura desert in southern Peru, the Nazca Lines are a collection of giant geoglyphs created over 2,000 years ago representing animals and geometric shapes.
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