Accident
The aircraft, operating as Uruguay 571, departed Montevideo on a charter flight to Santiago de Chile. On board were members of the rugby team 'Old Christians', along with supporters and family, traveling to a tournament in Chile. While cruising in marginal weather conditions, the crew encountered altitude turbulence attributed to the proximity of mountains and clouds. Despite the pilot increasing power on both engines, the airplane was unable to maintain a safe altitude. At a speed of 350 km/h, the right wing struck a rocky ridge and was torn off. Seconds later, the airplane struck a second ridge, causing the left wing and tail to be torn away. The aircraft planed for a few seconds before crashing into a snow-covered area at an altitude of 3,900 meters in the Chilean Andes. Few passengers were injured, while eight others were killed.
Rescue Efforts
Some survivors attempted to contact rescuers, but the VHF system was out of order. The day after the accident, a pilot of a Chilean Air Force trainer flew over the area but failed to see the wreckage due to clouds. After three days, search and rescue operations were suspended by the authorities. The survivors endured extreme low temperatures for 72 days. Three survivors eventually walked away from the crash site and found help in a village.
Aftermath
On December 22, 1972, two helicopters of the Chilean Air Force arrived at the scene and evacuated 16 survivors. In total, 29 other occupants died from their injuries, cold, or hunger.