World
Published Aug 1, 2026Updated Aug 4 Major14
98%
Cessna crashes near Peru's Nazca Lines, killing 13 tourists and crew
A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operated by Aerodiana crashed near Peru's Nazca Lines on August 1, 2026, killing all 13 people on board, including seven Italians, two Germans, two Spaniards, and two Peruvian crew members. The pilot reported a mechanical failure before radio contact was lost. Peru has temporarily suspended Aerodiana's operations pending investigation into the crash and the airline's regulatory compliance.
Quick Facts
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft crashed
- Pilot reported mechanical failure
- Radio contact was lost
- Crash site engulfed in flames
- Aerodiana operations temporarily suspended
Related Insights
BREAKING: Plane Crash Kills 11 Tourists & Two Pilots In Peru, Cause Under Investigation Republic World · YouTube
Plane Crash Over Peru’s Nazca Lines: 13 Killed, Including Tourists From Italy, Germany & Spain Hindustan Times · YouTube
Peru Tourist Plane Crash Near Nazca Kills All 13 People on Board IUDHR · YouTube




A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operated by Peruvian airline Aerodiana crashed near the Nazca Lines archaeological site on Saturday, August 1, 2026, killing all 13 people on board. The aircraft departed from Pisco Airport on a sightseeing flight at approximately 12:55 p.m. local time and went down in the Pueblo Viejo region, about 2 kilometers from Nazca airfield. The passengers included seven Italians, two Germans, and two Spaniards, along with two Peruvian pilots: Americo Salazar and Irenka Guanilo del Carpio. The Italian victims were from the Brianza area of northern Italy.
According to Peruvian officials, the pilot reported a mechanical failure during the flight before radio contact was lost. Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Rogers Valencia stated that the crew made a final radio transmission to Nazca's control tower indicating mechanical problems. The crash site was quickly engulfed in flames, preventing rescue efforts. Police Major Jorge Andrade confirmed there were no survivors and that four bodies had been recovered at the time of initial reporting.
Peru's Ministry of Transportation and Communications temporarily suspended Aerodiana's operations on Sunday, pending an investigation into the company's compliance with aviation regulations, procedures, and operating requirements. The Aviation Accident Investigation Commission is analyzing the pilot's distress call, the aircraft's flight path, and mechanical evidence from the wreckage to determine the cause. Authorities have not confirmed whether the reported mechanical problem directly caused the crash.
The Nazca Lines, located in Peru's southern Ica region approximately 450 kilometers south of Lima, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising ancient geoglyphs carved into the desert floor, believed to date from 500 B.C. to 500 A.D. The site attracts thousands of tourists annually who view the drawings from aircraft. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences to the families of the Italian victims. This marks another fatal crash near the site; similar accidents occurred in 2022 (seven killed) and 2010 (six killed).
Why This Matters
A tourist sightseeing aircraft carrying 13 international travelers crashed near a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resulting in total loss of life. The incident has prompted immediate suspension of the operating airline's flights pending regulatory investigation. Similar fatal crashes near the Nazca Lines in 2022 and 2010 indicate an ongoing aviation safety concern at this scenic tourism destination; the investigation will determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, maintenance standards, or operational procedures contributed to this accident.
Timeline & Sources
Aug 1, 2026
WireAircraft departed from Pisco Airport for sightseeing flight
Aug 1, 2026
WireFour bodies recovered at crash site
Aug 2, 2026
WireChinese media reports death toll and passenger details
Aug 3, 2026
WirePeru's Ministry of Transportation and Communications temporarily suspended Aerodiana operations
Related Signals
Sources
- Peru Avioneta Estrellada Acab134aef4d2194fd4c288143c82c5aapWireAug 1, 2026
- Peru Plane Crash 912cc69276f12afbfc921fa8b71c03c3apWireAug 1, 2026
- Peru Avionea Estrellada Nazca 101cd7aeca58826fa33f4520910c701aapWireAug 2, 2026
- At least 13 dead as tourist plane crashes during flight over Peru’s Nazca LinesThe GuardianMediaAug 1, 2026
- Tourist plane crashes in Peru, killing 13 on boardBBCMediaAug 2, 2026
- Tourist plane crashes in Peru, killing 13 on boardBBCMediaAug 1, 2026
- Plane crash in Peru kills 13 touriststassMediaAug 1, 2026
- Small plane crash kills 13 in southern PeruxinhuaMediaAug 1, 2026
- 秘鲁观光小飞机坠毁 13人全部罹难zaobaoMediaAug 2, 2026
- Plane crash in Peru kills tourists from Italy, Germany, Spain — radiotassMediaAug 2, 2026
- Peruvian plane crash kills 13, including European touristsAl JazeeraMediaAug 2, 2026
- What we know so far about the plane crash that killed 11 European tourists near one of Peru’s most popular sitesCNNMediaAug 2, 2026
- 13 killed in tourist plane crash in PeruABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and VideosMediaAug 3, 2026
- Peru suspends company whose plane crashed, killing 13, including 7 ItaliansansaMediaAug 3, 2026