Flight Instructor Reportedly Jumps From Aircraft, Leaving Student to Land Alone
A flight instructor in Argentina died after reportedly jumping from a small aircraft during a training flight, leaving his student to fly and land the plane alone.
Authorities identified the instructor as 42-year-old Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, who worked at a flying school in Córdoba, Argentina. He was conducting a routine training flight aboard a Cessna 150 with his 22-year-old student when the incident occurred.
According to reports, Bertazzo instructed his student to continue flying before removing his headset and seatbelt. He then opened the aircraft door and reportedly jumped while the plane was still in the air. The unexpected incident left the student alone in the cockpit. Despite the frightening situation, the trainee remained calm, maintained control of the aircraft, and landed it safely without any injuries or damage to the plane.
Eduardo Álvarez, director of the Flying Parrot Córdoba flying school where Bertazzo worked, said no one had noticed any warning signs that the instructor was planning such an act. Earlier that same day, Bertazzo had completed another training flight with a different student, and everything had appeared normal. As a result, the incident came as a complete shock to his colleagues and the aviation community.
Álvarez described Bertazzo as a kind, dedicated, and experienced flight instructor who had spent many years training future pilots. He had also worked as a flight instructor in Chile before returning to Argentina. Those who knew him remembered him as a professional committed to helping his students develop their flying skills.
The flying school director also explained that opening the door of a small aircraft while it is in flight is extremely difficult because of strong air pressure and wind, making the incident highly unusual.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and what may have led to Bertazzo’s actions. No official findings have been released, and investigators are gathering evidence to determine the full details of the tragedy.