A sightseeing flight over one of Peru’s most famous landmarks ended in tragedy when a plane carrying European tourists crashed into a field outside Nazca, killing all 13 people aboard, authorities said.

The aircraft was carrying tourists who had taken to the skies to view the ancient Nazca Lines, the enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert and one of Peru’s most recognizable archaeological attractions.

Instead of a memorable flight over the mysterious markings, the trip ended in a devastating crash.

Authorities said the aircraft went down in a field near the city of Nazca. The 13 people aboard were killed in the accident.

The Nazca Lines draw visitors from around the world, with tourists routinely taking small aircraft over the desert to get a view of the massive figures that are difficult to appreciate from the ground.

That familiar tourist experience became a scene of grief.

The crash is expected to prompt questions about what happened during the flight, including the aircraft’s condition, weather and operating procedures. Investigators will need to determine the circumstances that caused the plane to go down and whether any warning signs were present before the accident.

For the families of those aboard, however, the investigation is secondary to an immediate and heartbreaking reality: Thirteen people left for what was supposed to be a sightseeing adventure and never came home.

The Nazca Lines will remain where they have stood for centuries, drawing visitors fascinated by their history and mystery. But for the families and loved ones affected by this disaster, the site will now be connected to a far more painful memory.

A flight intended to offer a view of one of Peru’s great wonders instead became a devastating reminder of how quickly an ordinary journey can turn into tragedy.