A routine training flight in Córdoba, Argentina, turned tragic after flight instructor Leandro Bertazzo jumped from the aircraft mid-air, leaving his student pilot to land the plane alone.
Authorities are now investigating whether the incident involved suicide, mechanical issues, or other contributing factors.
Instructor Jumped During Training Flight
The incident happened on July 4 over Toledo, in Córdoba province.
Bertazzo was flying with a 22-year-old student during a training session when he reportedly told her, “You know what to do, keep moving forward,” before jumping from the plane.
The student was then forced to manage the emergency by herself.
Student Pilot Lands Safely
The student, identified in some reports as Rosario, already had a private pilot licence and was building additional flight hours under supervision.
After Bertazzo jumped, she contacted the flight school and safely landed the Cessna 150 at Coronel Olmedo Airport.
Officials and flight school staff praised her calm response, emotional strength and precise landing during an extremely distressing situation.
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Psychiatric Hospital Visit Revealed
Eduardo Álvarez, director of Flying Parrot Córdoba, said Bertazzo’s father later told him the instructor had been going through a difficult period.
According to Álvarez, Bertazzo had visited a psychiatric hospital about a week before the incident.
This information had not been shared with colleagues at the flight school.
Colleagues Were Unaware of Treatment
Álvarez said flight school protocols require lessons to be suspended if a pilot’s condition could create a safety risk.
However, he added that such concerns are difficult to detect if they are not disclosed.
Bertazzo’s family described him as single, living with his parents, and respected by students for his professionalism and cheerful personality.
Investigation Focus Expands
The revelation about Bertazzo’s psychiatric hospital visit has shifted part of the investigation toward the possibility of suicide.
Local reports suggest he had been receiving neuropsychiatric treatment known only to close relatives.
However, investigators are also reviewing possible mechanical failure scenarios.
Aircraft and Flight School Records Under Review
Authorities are examining aircraft documentation, flight school records and in-flight communications.
They are also considering whether a mechanical problem involving the aircraft door or safety systems may have contributed to the incident.
Investigators are weighing both human factors and technical evidence before reaching conclusions.
No Earlier Signs of Distress Reported
Bertazzo had reportedly completed another lesson earlier the same day without showing obvious signs of distress.
That detail has added complexity to the investigation, as authorities continue trying to understand what happened during the later training flight.
The death of Leandro Bertazzo has left investigators examining several possible explanations, including suicide, mental health concerns and mechanical failure.
While the case remains under investigation, the student pilot’s safe emergency landing has drawn strong praise. Her calm actions prevented further tragedy after an already shocking mid-air incident.