Esperto:
Yes, interesting program on NOVA about the crash of "Sand Dune" 47 years ago. I was only wondering if at the time there was no NDB or "Fan Marker" at Santiago Airport. That's an important question that was not addressed in the NOVA enquiry.
Any sort of navigational aid, even a radio broadcasting station, could have aided the crew in determining the airplane's position relative to the high terrain. If an ADF type pointer was installed in the airplane, the crew could have established a 90 degree left needle deflection on a 270 degree heading, ensuring passage of high terrain prior to turning south and descending.
As a pilot flying in IMC over high terrain, I would never exclusively rely on time before vacating my altitude.