Flight Instructor Jumps from Aircraft in Argentina, Student Pilot Lands Safely
In a tragic incident over Córdoba, Argentina, a flight instructor jumped to his death from a small aircraft during a training exercise. Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, 42, was in a two-seat Cessna 150G instructing his student pilot, Rosario, 22, when he suddenly leaped out of the plane.
Bertazzo reportedly told Rosario, “You know what you have to do, carry on,” before removing his gear and opening the door to jump. Eduardo Álvarez, the director of the Flying Parrot Córdoba flight school, described this as a shocking event, emphasizing the complexity of the human mind.
Rosario managed to safely land the plane despite being in a state of shock. She told authorities that once Bertazzo jumped, she had to take control alone. Álvarez noted that opening a plane door while in flight is extremely challenging, likening it to trying to open a car door while driving at high speeds.
Fortunately, the aircraft landed without incident or damage. Earlier that day, Bertazzo had completed a flight with another student, highlighting that the day had begun like any other.
Concerns regarding Bertazzo’s mental health surfaced, as it was revealed that he had previously visited a psychiatric institute, an issue known only to his family until now. The local authorities in Córdoba are currently investigating his death, and the plane involved is now in police custody.
