Sightseeing Flight Tragedy in Peru Leaves Thirteen Dead Near Nazca Lines
Nazca, Monday, 3 August 2026.
A tourist flight crash near Peru’s Nazca Lines killed 13 people, including 11 European visitors, prompting official investigations and potential airport suspensions across regional tourism operations.
Fatal Crash Disrupts Nazca Tourism
A sightseeing aircraft carrying European tourists crashed near Peru’s historic Nazca Lines on August 2, 2026, resulting in 13 fatalities [1]. Local authorities confirmed the plane crashed into a field outside the Peruvian city of Nazca, marking a significant tragedy for the region’s aviation and tourism sectors [1]. The incident has prompted immediate scrutiny regarding safety protocols for aerial tours operating over the UNESCO-protected geoglyphs [1].
Victim Demographics and Operator Details
Peru’s Transportation Ministry identified the deceased as including seven Italian citizens aged between 18 and 54, two 52-year-old Spaniards, and two Germans aged 77 and 78 [1]. The remaining two fatalities were the pilot, Américo Salazar, and copilot, Irenka Guanilo del Carpio, according to an official report [1]. The aircraft was operated by Peruvian company Aerodiana, which stated on its website that it has offered scenic flights over the Nazca lines for the past 14 years using Cessna Grand Caravan planes [1].
Official Response and Investigation
President Keiko Fujimori expressed regret over the accident and indicated that a temporary suspension of the airport was being considered pending reports from relevant ministries [1]. Peruvian authorities have confirmed that the accident is under investigation, though Aerodiana was not immediately available for comment at the time of reporting [1]. The Nazca Lines, formed by Indigenous inhabitants hundreds of years ago, remain a critical economic asset for local hospitality and travel infrastructure [1].