The Remains of Matienzo
The remains of the Argentine aviator Benjamín Matienzo, whose aircraft crashed in his attempt to cross the Andes mountain range in 1919. He was found eight months later.
The accident of Benjamín Matienzo occurred on 28 May 1919 during an attempt to cross the Andes mountain range in a Nieuport 28C1 aircraft. Matienzo took off from the “Los Tamarindos” airfield in Mendoza together with two other aviators, First Lieutenant Antonio Parodi and Captain Pedro Zanni. However, both companions had to abort the mission due to mechanical problems, leaving Matienzo alone in his attempt. Facing strong winds and without radio to communicate, Matienzo continued his route through the valley of the River de las Cuevas. Unfortunately, his plane did not manage to gain sufficient height and speed, and he was forced to land in a mountainous area. Matienzo tried to return on foot, but died of hypothermia, possibly on the night of 28 May or the early hours of 29 May. His body was found on 18 November 1919 near the constructions of a copper mine.
Matienzo’s accident is remembered as an act of bravery and determination in the early days of Argentine aviation. The remains of Benjamín Matienzo rest in the Cementerio del Oeste in San Miguel de Tucumán, his birthplace.
By Mendoza Antigua
By: Claudio Tuñón
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