Flight LA2424 of LATAM Airlines experienced a sudden drop of about 23,000 feet on Friday, October 15, after a technical issue, forcing an emergency landing and the deployment of oxygen masks.
The Boeing 767-300ER took off from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru, at around 9.48am, bound for São Paulo, Brazil. Tracking data shows the aircraft reached 33,000 feet before the rapid descent near the Ica region, south of Lima on Peru's coast.
Passenger describes terrifying moment
Peruvian passenger Alejandra Baigorria recounted the moment the pilot announced an emergency landing, shortly before oxygen masks dropped. She said she feared "these are the last minutes of my life" and used the oxygen mask for nearly an hour.
A loss of cabin pressure triggered the automatic release of the oxygen masks. The flight crew issued a squawk 7700 code, the universal transponder code that alerts air traffic control to a general emergency, which may involve a medical, mechanical or technical issue.
Emergency landing and aftermath
Flight LA2424 levelled out at around 10,000 feet and made a sharp U-turn back towards Lima, touching down at Jorge Chávez International Airport at 11.31am local time, one hour and 43 minutes after departure.
LATAM Airlines said the incident was due to a technical issue and that the on-board crew followed established safety procedures. A spokesperson for LATAM Airlines said: "LATAM Airlines Peru regrets any inconvenience that may have been caused and reaffirms that the safety of its passengers and crews is the top priority in all its operations."
A replacement aircraft was arranged, and passengers continued their journey to São Paulo later the same day.
