LATAM Airlines Peru flight LA2424 dropped from about 33,000 feet to 10,000 feet after a technical problem prompted an emergency descent, turning a Lima-to-São Paulo service into a frightening return to its departure airport.

The reports differ mainly in emphasis. One account centres on the passengers’ fear as oxygen masks fell and the aircraft descended sharply; the other likewise describes an alarming cabin scene but places greater focus on the rapid emergency response. Both say the Boeing 767 was above Peru’s Ica region less than an hour after leaving Lima when the crew declared a general emergency and transmitted the 7700 code to air traffic control.¹

Passenger Alejandra Baigorria said the pilot announced an emergency landing shortly before the masks deployed. “These are the last minutes of my life,” she recalled thinking, adding that she used an oxygen mask for nearly an hour while the aircraft descended and turned back.²

Aviation reporting cited by both accounts indicated that a loss of cabin pressure may have triggered the masks’ automatic release. The plane levelled at roughly 10,000 feet and landed safely at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport at 11:31 a.m. local time, about one hour and 43 minutes after take-off.

LATAM characterized the event more cautiously, calling it a technical issue and saying its crew followed established safety procedures. “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,” the airline said.¹ A replacement aircraft was arranged, and passengers later continued to São Paulo.