A 22-year-old student pilot in Argentina successfully landed a Cessna aircraft after her flight instructor jumped to his death during a lesson, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred on Saturday in Toledo, Cordoba province, when Leandro Andres Bertazzo, 42, exited the plane at approximately 850 feet altitude, according to Del Sur Diario.
Instructor's final words before jumping
According to CNN affiliate TN, the student, identified only as Rosario, reported that Bertazzo told her, “You know what you have to do, carry on,” before removing his headset, putting away his cellphone, unfastening his seatbelt, opening the plane door, and jumping. Rosario maintained control of the aircraft and landed it safely, then directed authorities to the area where she saw Bertazzo fall. His body was found at that location, and emergency crews confirmed his death.
No warning signs before the flight
Eduardo Alvarez, director of Flying Parrot Córdoba, told TN that there were no indications Bertazzo planned to jump. He had flown with another student earlier that day. “He made this tragic decision on board an aircraft with another person by his side,” Alvarez said, according to translation. “It’s impossible to think about it or understand it, but the human mind is so complex.” Alvarez noted that opening a plane door mid-air is extremely difficult, comparing it to opening a car door at 200 km/h. He said the student pilot was in “complete shock” but managed to land without damage.
Investigation ongoing
The cause of Bertazzo’s actions remains unknown. After his family was notified, Bertazzo’s father told La Nacion that his son had been going through a difficult time and had sought psychiatric help. The public prosecutor’s office stated the investigation is ongoing, with no formal complaints filed yet. Bertazzo, a highly experienced pilot, had previously worked as a flight instructor in Chile, according to TN.
