Accident Overview
On April 9, 2008, at approximately 1530 local time, a Cessna U206C (Peruvian registration OB-1266) operated by Aero Ica S.A.C. was destroyed when it impacted terrain while attempting to return to land at Maria Reiche Airport (SPZA) in Nazca, Ica Province, Peru. The aircraft was conducting a sightseeing flight under visual meteorological conditions and Peruvian flight regulations.
Accident Details
The airplane departed from runway 07 at Maria Reiche Airport for a tour of the Nazca Lines. After being airborne for about one minute, the pilot attempted to return to the airport. During the return, the aircraft descended into a power line and subsequently struck a house before impacting the ground. The accident occurred in the vicinity of 14 degrees, 51.47 minutes south latitude, 74 degrees, 58.17 minutes west longitude.
Casualties
The pilot, a Peruvian commercial pilot, sustained minor injuries. The five passengers, all French nationals, were fatally injured.
Investigation
The investigation is under the direction of the Republic of Peru, through the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes de Aviacion (CIAA) of the Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil. No probable cause has been stated in the released information.