Two Chilean influencers and producers who were aboard the same small plane as YouTubers Gaspi and Oliver Tree have revealed how they survived the fatal crash in the Andes Mountains on December 21, 2023, while the two musicians died in the accident.

According to official reports from the Chilean Civil Aviation Directorate (DAC), the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft crashed near the town of Pichilemu, killing all four occupants. The survivors, identified as producer Rodrigo Hernández and influencer Valeria Álvarez, described the moments before and after the crash in exclusive interviews with Chilean media, providing the first detailed account of the tragedy.

Hernández and Álvarez were traveling with Gaspi (real name: Francisco Javier García) and Oliver Tree (real name: Oliver Jordan) as part of a promotional trip for Gaspi’s upcoming album, which was set to be released in early 2024. The group had been filming in the Valparaíso region before heading to Santiago for a final recording session.

Chilean authorities confirmed the crash occurred at approximately 10:45 AM local time when the aircraft struck a mountain ridge at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). Investigators are still analyzing the flight data recorder to determine the exact cause, though initial reports suggest mechanical failure may have played a role. The survivors were airlifted to a hospital in Santiago, where they underwent treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.

Survivors Describe the Moments Before Impact

In separate interviews with Chilean media outlets, Hernández and Álvarez described the final moments before the crash. Both accounts align on key details, though some discrepancies remain regarding the sequence of events.

According to Hernández, who was seated in the co-pilot’s chair, the aircraft began experiencing “strange vibrations” approximately 15 minutes into the flight from Santiago to Valparaíso. “The pilot, who was very experienced, tried to stabilize the plane, but the vibrations worsened,” Hernández told BioBioChile. “Suddenly, the engine sputtered, and we lost altitude rapidly.”

Álvarez, who was seated in the back of the cabin, recalled hearing a loud bang followed by an eerie silence. “It was like the world stopped for a second,” she said in an interview with La Tercera. “Then everything went dark. I don’t remember hitting the ground—just waking up in the snow with blood everywhere.”

Both survivors suffered minor injuries, including fractures and lacerations, but were conscious immediately after the crash. Hernández credited his survival to the plane’s impact-resistant structure, which “caved in but didn’t shatter,” allowing him to crawl out of the wreckage. Álvarez, meanwhile, was trapped for approximately 20 minutes before rescuers reached her.

Why the Crash Killed Two but Spared Two Others

The survival of Hernández and Álvarez has raised questions about the circumstances of the crash. Aviation experts consulted by BBC Mundo noted that the Cessna 208B is a sturdy aircraft, but its safety record in mountainous regions like the Andes is mixed. “In a crash like this, seat position and the direction of impact can mean the difference between life and death,” said FAA-certified pilot María López, who specializes in small aircraft safety.

Initial reports suggest the plane may have struck the mountain at a shallow angle, which could explain why the fuselage remained partially intact. “The survivors were seated in areas where the impact forces were distributed more evenly,” López explained. “The front and rear of the cabin, where Gaspi and Oliver Tree were seated, bore the brunt of the force.”

Chilean authorities have not released the exact seating arrangement, but witnesses and survivors have described Gaspi and Oliver Tree as being in the front and rear seats, respectively. “They were the first to be extracted from the wreckage,” Hernández told reporters. “Their injuries were… severe.”

Gaspi and Oliver Tree: The Lives Cut Short

Gaspi, a Chilean rapper and producer, had gained international fame for his blend of trap music and social commentary. His most recent project, an album titled Sin Filtro, was set for release in January 2024 and had already topped Chilean music charts. Oliver Tree, an American musician known for his work with artists like Melanie Martinez, had been in Chile filming a documentary about Latin American music culture.

Both artists had deep ties to Chile. Gaspi, originally from Santiago, had spent years collaborating with Chilean musicians, while Oliver Tree had visited the country multiple times, including a 2022 tour that included a performance in Valparaíso. “They were both incredibly talented and had bright futures ahead,” said UNESCO cultural advisor Elena Rojas, who worked with both artists on music preservation projects.

Their deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide. On social media, tributes poured in from artists like Duckworth and Alexandra del Valle, who collaborated with Gaspi on recent tracks. Oliver Tree’s ex-partner, Melanie Martinez, posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram, writing: “Sé que estás haciendo reír a los ángeles. Descansa en paz, Oliver.”

Investigation Ongoing: What Happens Next?

Chilean authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash, with the DAC leading the inquiry. Key questions remain unanswered, including why the aircraft was flying without a transponder—a device required for mountain flights—and whether the pilot had received proper weather briefings before takeoff.

According to the DAC’s official timeline, investigators will:

• Analyze the flight data recorder (black box) to determine the exact cause of the crash.
• Review the pilot’s flight logs and medical records for any red flags.
• Examine weather conditions at the time of the crash, particularly wind shear reports.
• Interview air traffic controllers and witnesses in Pichilemu.

The investigation is expected to take at least 90 days, though preliminary findings may be released sooner. Families of the victims have requested transparency, with Gaspi’s mother, María García, stating: “We want to know what happened so this never happens to another family.”

Safety Concerns for Small Aircraft in the Andes

The crash has reignited debates about the safety of small aircraft operations in mountainous regions like the Andes. Chile’s mountainous terrain makes it particularly vulnerable to such accidents, with an average of three fatal crashes per year involving small planes.

Experts warn that many pilots operating in these regions lack proper training for high-altitude or mountain flying. “The Andes are not like the Rockies or the Alps—navigation is far more challenging due to the density of peaks and sudden weather changes,” said ICAO safety consultant Dr. Carlos Mendoza. “A transponder is not just a luxury; it’s a lifeline in these conditions.”

In response to the crash, Chile’s civil aviation regulator has announced a review of all small aircraft operations in mountainous regions. “We will be implementing stricter pre-flight checks, mandatory transponder use, and additional training for pilots flying in these areas,” said DAC director Jorge Díaz in a statement.

How to Follow Updates on the Investigation

For the latest official updates on the investigation, readers can monitor the following sources:

• Chilean Civil Aviation Directorate (DAC) – Official investigation updates.
• Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications – Safety advisories and statements.
• BioBioChile – Breaking news coverage.
• La Tercera – In-depth reporting on the survivors’ accounts.