A routine training flight in Argentina took a frightening turn when a student pilot found herself having to land the aircraft alone after her instructor exited the plane mid-flight.
This incident occurred on Saturday, July 4, during a lesson in a small Cessna C-150. As reported by Argentina’s Attorney General Carlos Gonella’s office, the 22-year-old student was flying with her 42-year-old instructor, Leandro Bertazzo, a former commercial pilot, when the unexpected event unfolded.
The student later informed authorities that Bertazzo had “jumped” from the aircraft near Toledo in Córdoba province. Remarkably, she was able to navigate the plane back to Coronel Olmedo Airport and land it safely without any help. Emergency services were promptly notified, and a search operation was initiated.
Approximately 20 minutes after the student reported Bertazzo missing, his body was discovered in a field close to where she believed he had exited the plane.
While the student’s testimony is crucial to the ongoing investigation, officials have yet to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident.
Investigators in Río Segundo are also looking into the possibility that Bertazzo may have fallen from the aircraft due to a hatch malfunction or some other mechanical problem. They pointed out that opening the aircraft’s door during flight would have been quite challenging.
He “jumped out”
Eduardo Alvarez, the director of the Flying Parrot Córdoba flight school where Bertazzo was employed, recounted what he claimed was the conversation between the instructor and his student prior to the incident.
“At one point, Leandro told her, ‘You know what to do, keep moving forward,’” he stated, as reported by LADbible.
He removed his headphones, organized his items including his mobile phone, unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the notoriously difficult door, and leaped out.
CNN affiliate TN also mentioned that the student relayed the same story to investigators.
“She sent a message updating about the situation and then went back to the runway to land,” Alvarez noted.
“He made this heartbreaking choice while on a plane with someone next to him.
“It’s impossible to comprehend or rationalize, but the human mind is incredibly intricate and unpredictable. That’s why this tragedy occurred.”
Investigation highlights mental health issues
As reported by TN, Bertazzo had been facing mental health challenges and had previously checked himself into a neuropsychiatric clinic, a fact that Alvarez stated was only known to close family members.
“He had been in a neuropsychiatric facility, but no one was aware of it. Just his family,” Alvarez explained.
Marinho mentioned that the aviation sector still grapples with the topic of mental health.
“Mental health remains a sensitive topic across various fields, but it is particularly stigmatized in aviation.
“Issues related to mental health can result in a pilot losing their medical certification, which stops them from being able to fly.”
Alvarez mentioned that colleagues and students had not observed any clear warning signs.
“There exists a strong professional bond between students and instructors, yet none of those who flew with him, nor those of us who interacted with him, could foresee his decision to jump from the aircraft. Clearly, something was amiss.”
He also commended the student’s reaction, describing her as “very clear, decisive, mature, and professional.”
“Although she was understandably shaken, she handled the situation with utmost professionalism, flying the plane back to the airfield and executing a flawless landing. She demonstrated an exceptional level of training and professionalism.”
