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A student pilot successfully landed a plane by herself after her instructor reportedly jumped from the aircraft and died mid-flight.
The shocking incident happened over a rural area near Toledo, Córdoba, Argentina, while 42-year-old flight instructor Leandro Andrés Bertazzo was giving a practical flying lesson in a Cessna C-150.
According to reports, 22-year-old student pilot named Rosario already had a private pilot license but was still building up her flying hours, meaning she was required to fly with an instructor or safety pilot.
During the flight, Bertazzo allegedly told Rosario, “You know what to do” before removing his headset, arranging his belongings, taking off his seatbelt and exiting the aircraft.
Despite the shocking turn of events, Rosario managed to stay calm, alert the flight school and safely bring the Cessna back to the airfield without damaging the aircraft.
Student pilot praised for “perfect landing” after instructor’s death
Eduardo Álvarez, director of Flying Parrot Córdoba, praised the student for keeping control of the plane during an extreme emergency.
“She was very shaken, but with complete professionalism she flew the plane to the airfield and made a perfect landing,” he said, according to The Sun.
Colonel Olmedo airfield
Álvarez later took off in another aircraft to search for Bertazzo and reportedly found his body in a field around 15 to 20 minutes after the alarm was raised. Emergency services were called to the scene, where the instructor was pronounced dead.
Bertazzo had worked as an instructor at Flying Parrot Córdoba for four years and had also been a commercial pilot. Colleagues said they had not noticed anything unusual before the flight, with Álvarez saying Bertazzo had completed another lesson earlier that day without incident.
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The case is now being investigated by federal authorities in Córdoba due to its involvement with an aviation incident.
Authorities initially looked at whether a mechanical issue with the aircraft may have played a role, but local reports say investigators are now treating the case as a possible suicide.
Bertazzo’s father said his son was “having a bad time” and had consulted a psychiatric clinic.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or know anyone who is, and you would like to talk to someone, please reach out and call the Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-800-273-8255 (USA), the Samaritans 116-123 (UK), or Lifeline 13-11-14 (AUS).
