Flight instructor in Argentina jumps from aircraft during lesson, leaving student to land plane alone
A 42-year-old flight instructor died after jumping from a small aircraft during a training flight in Argentina, leaving his 22-year-old student to land the plane alone. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- A 42-year-old flight instructor died after jumping from a Cessna 150 during a training flight in Argentina.
- His 22-year-old student successfully landed the aircraft alone after the incident.
- Investigators are examining the circumstances, including flight records and possible contributing factors.
A flight instructor in Argentina died after allegedly jumping from a small aircraft during a training flight, leaving his student to land the plane alone.
The incident occurred on 4 July in Toledo, Córdoba province, while 42-year-old Leandro Andrés Bertazzo was conducting a lesson with a 22-year-old student onboard a Cessna 150.
According to Argentina’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office No. 2 of Córdoba, Bertazzo’s body was recovered later that day.
Authorities said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Student lands aircraft safely
According to investigators cited by ABC News, the student told police she initially could not believe what had happened and thought it was a joke.
The student, who held a pilot’s licence but had limited flight hours, was able to return the aircraft safely to Coronel Olmedo Airport, where the flight had begun.
Eduardo Álvarez, director of Flying Parrot Córdoba flying school where Bertazzo worked, praised the student’s response, describing her actions as professional despite being shaken by the incident.
“She was very shaken, but with complete professionalism she flew the plane to the airfield and made a perfect landing,” Álvarez told local media.
Family disclosed instructor had been receiving treatment
Bertazzo had worked as a flight instructor at Flying Parrot Córdoba since 2022.
According to The Daily Beast, citing comments from Álvarez, Bertazzo’s family later revealed that he had been receiving psychiatric treatment and had visited a psychiatric hospital days before the incident.
Álvarez said colleagues at the flying school were unaware of this.
He added that the school requires flight lessons to be suspended if any condition arises that could affect a pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft, but acknowledged that such concerns can be difficult to identify if they are not disclosed.
Investigation continues
According to CNN, Bertazzo allegedly told the student, “You know what you have to do,” before removing his headset and seatbelt, opening the aircraft door and leaving the plane.
Investigators are reviewing aircraft documentation, flight school records and communications made during the flight.
Officials are also examining whether any mechanical issue involving the aircraft door or its safety systems may have contributed to the incident.
Bertazzo had completed another training flight earlier on the same day before taking off with the student, according to local reports.
