Cubana de Aviación Flight 972 was a scheduled domestic flight from José Martí International Airport in Havana to Frank País Airport in Holguín, Cuba. Shortly after takeoff on a clear day, the Boeing 737-201, which was operating the flight, encountered issues that prevented it from gaining altitude. The airplane crashed within about one minute of departure, hitting a field in Santiago de las Vegas, a suburb located near Havana. Rescue teams quickly arrived on the scene but faced the tragic aftermath of the incident. In total, 112 individuals died, including passengers and crew members. Among the victims were many Cuban citizens returning home from Havana along with foreign tourists.The sole survivor of the crash was a woman named Griselda Betancourt, who suffered severe injuries yet managed to endure the catastrophic event. Investigators later reported that the aircraft's technical issues were likely linked to its mechanical state and suggested that the crew had attempted to return to the airport. Following the incident, significant discussions concerning aviation safety regulations in Cuba were reignited, highlighting the need for improvements in aircraft maintenance and operational oversight. The tragic fate of Flight 972 cast a shadow over Cuban aviation, calling for an evaluation of existing protocols within the industry.