What was done after the air traffic control service lost contact with the Fairchild?

After losing touch with the Fairchild, the air traffic control service contacted the Servicio Aereo de Rescate (SAR). A search led by the interim commanders of the SAR, Garcia and Massa, commenced. They began searching along the last reported path of the plane, focusing on the pilot's comments about seeing Curico. As the search team approached Curico, they encountered a snow storm and had to return to Santiago. The following day the commanders reviewed all the available information and changed the focus of the search.