Thirteen Killed as Aerodiana Sightseeing Plane Crashes Near Nazca Lines

Thirteen Killed as Aerodiana Sightseeing Plane Crashes Near Nazca Lines

PUEBLO VIEJO, Peru — Thirteen people were killed Saturday when a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operated by Aerodiana crashed during a sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines in southern Peru, according to the Aviation Safety Network and Peruvian authorities. There were no survivors.

The aircraft, registration OB-2001-P, went down in an agricultural area near Pueblo Viejo, approximately 12 kilometers from the famous geoglyph site. A post-impact fire erupted and destroyed the airframe.

The flight departed Pisco Airport (PIO) at 12:10 p.m. local time. The crew declared an emergency at approximately 1:00 p.m., shortly before the aircraft went down. While early reports suggested a departure from nearby Ica, aviation specialist outlets and Peruvian national television confirmed the flight originated from Pisco.

Victims

Among the 13 fatalities were 11 passengers and two crew members. Victims included seven Italian citizens, two Spanish nationals, and two Germans, according to Peru's Ministry of Transport and Communications. Italian media reported that the Italian victims were members of two families from the Monza Brianza province.

The crew has been identified as pilot Américo Salazar and copilot Irenka Guanilo del Carpio.

Investigation Underway

Peru's Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Officials have not released a preliminary finding. Local media have speculated on mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions, but no cause has been confirmed.

Aerodiana said it would review its flight schedules in accordance with directives from aviation authorities.

About the Aircraft

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan is a widely used single-engine turboprop utility and charter aircraft. The type has been involved in a number of fatal incidents in recent years, and the FAA has previously identified stall awareness and weather-related decision-making as key risk factors for operators.

This is a developing story. ANN will update as additional information becomes available.