Thirteen people were killed on Saturday when a small tourist aircraft crashed while flying over the Nazca Lines archaeological site in southern Peru.
Authorities in Nazca province said the aircraft was carrying 11 passengers and two pilots when it came down near Pueblo Viejo, about six kilometres from the city of Nazca and approximately 12 kilometres from the famous Nazca Lines.
The aircraft, operated by the local airline Aerodiana, had departed from Pisco Airport for a sightseeing flight over the UNESCO-listed site. According to local media, the aircraft lost contact with the control tower just minutes after take-off.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Authorities said an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
READ ALSO: 13 Killed in Central China Highway Minibus Crash
The Nazca Lines, a series of enormous geoglyphs and geometric figures etched into the desert, are among Peru’s leading tourist attractions, drawing around 100,000 visitors each year. Sightseeing flights are a popular way for tourists to view the ancient landmarks.
Flights over the Nazca Lines departing from the nearby María Reiche Airport had been suspended on Friday because of strong winds exceeding 40 kilometres per hour, which reduced visibility by raising dust.
Local media reported that the adverse weather had forced one aircraft carrying two Peruvian tourists and another carrying six foreign visitors to divert to Marcona Airport.
Reuters
