- Flight instructor Leandro Bertazzo jumped from a Cessna 150 during a training flight over Toledo, Argentina, on July 4, forcing his student pilot to land the aircraft alone.
- Before jumping, Bertazzo told the student, 'You know what to do, keep moving forward', and then removed his headset and seatbelt.
- Despite being in complete shock, the student managed to land the plane safely at Coronel Olmedo Airport, which is commonly used for training pilots.
- Bertazzo's body was found in a nearby field 20 minutes after the incident.
- An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with officials stating the circumstances are unusual and difficult to explain.
- Eduardo Alvarez, director of the Flying Parrot Córdoba flying school, described Bertazzo as someone who was 'always smiling' and noted that his death was unexpected.
- Local reports indicate that Bertazzo had undergone neuropsychiatric treatment prior to the incident.
- The investigation will examine whether a mechanical failure related to a hatch or safety system contributed to the incident.
A student pilot's harrowing experience unfolded on July 4 when her flight instructor, Leandro Bertazzo, 42, jumped to his death mid-flight over Toledo, Argentina.
The 22-year-old student, Rosario, described how Bertazzo opened the window of their Cessna C150 and leaped out, leaving her in shock.
“You know what you have to do, carry on,” he reportedly told her before taking off his headset and seatbelt.
Despite the traumatic event, Rosario managed to land the plane safely at Coronel Olmedo Airport, demonstrating remarkable composure.
Eduardo Alvarez, director of the Flying Parrot Córdoba flight school, praised her professionalism, stating she was “very clear, decisive, mature and professional.”
Bertazzo's body was found in a nearby field shortly after the incident, raising questions about his mental state.5
Local reports indicated he had undergone neuropsychiatric treatment, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.8
“There’s no way to think about it or understand it,” Alvarez remarked, emphasizing the complexity of the human mind.
Authorities are examining the aircraft's safety systems and communications during the flight, as the act of opening a plane door mid-air is extremely difficult.
Bertazzo was described as a highly experienced instructor, having also worked in Chile, and his sudden decision to jump has left many in shock.
Prosecutors are now investigating the incident to uncover the exact details that led to this tragic event.
“The 22-year-old student, Rosario, had only a pilot's license with few flying hours, but she landed the Cessna 150 perfectly after her instructor, Leandro Bertazzo, jumped out. Bertazzo's body was found in a field 20 minutes later, and an investigation is ongoing into the unusual incident.”
Metro.co.uk
