A small tourist plane crashed into a field on Saturday just outside the Peruvian city of Nazca, killing all 13 people on board, local authorities said.
The aircraft was on a sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines, the ancient geoglyphs scraped into the desert, according to Nazca's municipal government.
Flight and operator
Nazca's government said the plane departed from the nearby city of Ica and was operated by Peruvian company Aerodiana. On its website, the airline says it has offered scenic flights over the Nazca Lines for the past 14 years using Cessna Grand Caravan planes. The company says it has been in operation for 18 years.
Victims
Peru's Ministry for Trade and Tourism said 11 foreign tourists and two crew members were on board. State news agency Agencia Andina reported that two German, two Spanish and seven Italian tourists were among those killed.
None of the victims have been formally identified yet.
Statements and investigation
Peruvian authorities said the accident is under investigation.
In a Facebook post, the Provincial Municipality of Nasca expressed its deep sorrow and extended its condolences to the families of the deceased. The municipality also said the aircraft was based in Pisco and took off from its airport for the tourist flight, and that it had provided support since the emergency was reported.
Aerodiana said in a statement: "AERODIANA expresses its deepest sorrow for the tragic accident that occurred today during a tourist overflight operation in the Nazca Lines area." The airline added that it was cooperating fully with authorities and would evaluate its flight schedule in accordance with the provisions of the competent authorities.
