What happened
A cargo flight operated by Varig departed from Tokyo-Narita Airport at 20:23 local time, destined for Rio de Janeiro with planned stops in Los Angeles and Lima. The Boeing 707 was carrying a shipment of 53 paintings by Manabu Mabe, which were valued at approximately US$1.24 million.
The aircraft was operated by a crew of six members. At 20:45 local time, the flight crew made their final radio contact with air traffic control. Approximately 15 minutes after this transmission, the plane vanished from radar surveillance while maintaining its cruising altitude.
Following the disappearance, search and rescue operations were launched by both Japanese and American authorities. Despite an intensive effort lasting several days, no wreckage or debris was located, and the aircraft and all six fatalities remained missing.
Findings
Because the wreckage of the Boeing 707 was never recovered, investigators could not reach a definitive conclusion regarding the accident. However, it was noted that the crew failed to issue any emergency signals or distress calls prior to the disappearance. Investigators suggested that a sudden cabin decompression may have been the primary factor leading to the loss of the aircraft.