Flight 296 Southwest: A Story of Survival and Heroism
For United Airlines Flight 296, which crashed in the Andes Mountains on October 13, 1972, it was a fateful day that would change the lives of its passengers forever. The ill-fated flight, operated by Swissair’s subsidiary Overseas National Airways (ONA), was carrying a total of 45 people from New York to Geneva, Switzerland. Introduction The story of Flight 296 is one that has captured the hearts and imaginations of many, serving as a testament to human resilience and the unbreakable bonds of friendship in the face of adversity. The tragedy led to an extraordinary tale of survival, where the passengers were forced to resort to cannibalism to stay alive until help arrived. Key Points
1. The Flight’s Demise
The plane took off from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 12, 1972, bound for Geneva, Switzerland. However, the flight was doomed from the start. Due to a combination of factors including severe weather conditions and pilot error, the plane crashed in the Andes Mountains just 72 minutes into its journey.
2. The Survivors’ Ordeal
Of the 45 passengers on board, only one member survived the initial crash. Roberto Canessa, an Argentinean doctor, was able to escape the wreckage with severe injuries but managed to find his way back to civilization just a few days later. However, he was forced to return to the crash site and rescue his friend, Fernando Parrado, who had also survived the initial impact.
3. The Struggle for Survival
With only two survivors on board, Canessa and Parrado were left with no choice but to resort to the unthinkable – cannibalism. They rationed the few remaining food supplies they had found in the wreckage, and eventually resorted to eating some of their own flesh to stay alive.
4. The Rescue
After 72 days of struggling to survive, Canessa and Parrado finally managed to send out a distress signal that was received by two Chilean hikers. The survivors were then rescued from the Andes Mountains on December 23, 1972. Conclusion The story of Flight 296 serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Against all odds, the two surviving passengers managed to not only survive but also find hope in one of the darkest moments of their lives. The tale of Roberto Canessa and Fernando Parrado has inspired countless people around the world with its story of survival and heroism. Summary Flight 296 was a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of all on board. However, it also led to an extraordinary tale of survival and friendship that will be remembered for generations to come. The bravery and resilience displayed by Roberto Canessa and Fernando Parrado serve as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.