Mid-Air Incident in Argentina: Student Pilot Lands Cessna After Instructor Jumps
A flight instructor, identified as 42-year-old Leandro Bertazzo, jumped from a Cessna C-150 aircraft while in flight over the province of Córdoba, Argentina, on Saturday, May 4. The 22-year-old student pilot on board successfully landed the plane at a local airport after alerting ground control, according to reports from the Argentine newspaper Clarín. The Federal Justice of Córdoba is currently investigating the incident.
How the Student Managed the Emergency
The student pilot, who possessed a pilot’s license but had limited flight hours, was undergoing a training session when the incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 250 meters. According to Eduardo Alvarez of the Flying Parrot Córdoba flight school, speaking to Clarín, Bertazzo instructed the student, “You know what to do,” before removing his headset, setting aside his phone, and opening the aircraft door.
Opening a door mid-flight is physically difficult due to air pressure, yet the student maintained control of the Cessna. She contacted ground support immediately following the instructor’s departure. The aircraft was successfully landed by the student shortly thereafter. Leandro Bertazzo’s body was later recovered in a rural area near the city of Toledo, Córdoba.
What Was Known About the Instructor’s Background?
While Leandro Bertazzo served as a flight instructor, he had previously established a career as a commercial pilot. Eduardo Alvarez stated that there were no outward signs of distress from the instructor among his colleagues. Bertazzo had performed another instructional flight earlier that same day without incident.
A notable deviation in behavior reported by the school was that Bertazzo requested a ride to the Coronel Olmedo airport from a colleague, rather than using his personal vehicle as he typically did. Reports from Clarín indicate that while Bertazzo had sought psychiatric care, he had not disclosed this information to the flight school administration.
Future Trends in Pilot Mental Health and Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to the aircraft after the instructor jumped? The student pilot safely landed the Cessna C-150 at the airport after communicating with ground control.
- Was the student experienced? The student held a pilot’s license (brevê) but had limited total flight hours.
- Is there an investigation into the incident? Yes, the Federal Justice of Córdoba is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Leandro Bertazzo.
- Did the school suspect anything? According to Eduardo Alvarez, the instructor’s behavior did not raise suspicions among his colleagues prior to the flight.
If you found this report informative, please subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on aviation safety and industry news. Have questions about aviation protocols? Leave a comment below.
