Thirteen Killed as Tourist Plane Crashes Over Peru's Nazca Lines

A tourist sightseeing plane crashed while flying over Peru's famed Nazca Lines, killing all 13 people on board, according to local authorities and emergency services.

What happened

The aircraft, operated by a regional sightseeing company, was carrying tourists on a scenic flight over the UNESCO-listed geoglyphs when it went down in a remote desert area. Rescue teams reached the crash site several hours later due to the terrain's remoteness.

• 13 people killed, including passengers and crew, officials said
• Aircraft was on a scenic tourist flight over the Nazca Lines
• Investigators are examining weather conditions and mechanical factors

Investigation and safety concerns

Peruvian aviation authorities have opened an investigation into the crash, with early attention focused on whether mechanical failure, pilot error or adverse weather contributed to the accident. Sightseeing flights over the Nazca Lines have faced periodic safety scrutiny in the past.

The Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, are one of Peru's most popular tourist attractions and are typically viewed from small aircraft due to their massive scale.

Peru's transport ministry said it would review safety protocols for tour operators offering flights over the site, and some companies voluntarily suspended flights pending the outcome of the investigation.