The plane in Society of the Snow crashed into an Andean mountaintop after a critical navigational error by the co-pilot. This catastrophic event led to significant loss of life and stranded the survivors in the harsh, high-altitude environment.
The Fatal Error and Impact
The tragic sequence of events began when the inexperienced co-pilot mistakenly believed the aircraft had cleared an Andean mountaintop. Unbeknownst to him, the peak lay directly ahead, obscured by clouds.
Upon impact with the mountain, the force of the collision was immense, causing immediate and severe damage to the aircraft. Both of the plane's wings and its tail section were violently sheared off. The main fuselage, with the remaining passengers, then slid down the snowy slope before coming to a rest.
Immediate and Subsequent Casualties
The immediate aftermath of the crash was devastating:
- Initial Fatalities: A dozen individuals died instantly upon impact.
- Subsequent Deaths: Another 12 people succumbed to the extreme conditions soon after the crash. The location of the wreckage, at nearly 12,000 feet in the Andes, subjected the survivors to brutal, sub-zero temperatures and other environmental hazards, leading to further fatalities from exposure and injuries.
Summary of the Plane's Fate
To summarize the incident:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause of Crash | Navigational error by an inexperienced co-pilot, mistaking position in clouds. |
| Impact Location | Andean mountaintop. |
| Immediate Damage | Both wings and the plane's tail were sheared off. |
| Altitude of Wreckage | Nearly 12,000 feet. |
| Immediate Lives Lost | A dozen people died instantly on impact. |
| Subsequent Lives Lost | 12 more died soon after due to extreme temperatures. |
The incident, often referred to as the "Andes flight disaster," highlights the perilous nature of high-altitude flight in challenging terrains and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
For more information on the real-life event depicted in the film, you can refer to the details of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571.
