Instructor’s Final Flight
Flight instructor Leandro Bertazzo, 42, jumped to his death from a Cessna C150 aircraft over Toledo, Argentina, on July 4, 2026. His father told Eduardo Alvarez, director of the Flying Parrot flying school, that Bertazzo was going through a 'difficult time' before the tragedy. Alvarez added that Bertazzo's family revealed he had a consultation at a psychiatric hospital a week before his death.
Student Pilot’s Ordeal
The unnamed 22-year-old student was training with Bertazzo when he opened the window, removed his headphones, arranged his personal belongings, unbuckled his seatbelt, and jumped. The student initially thought he had deployed a parachute but soon realized he had not. Despite her limited experience, she raised the alarm and landed the plane safely and unaided at Coronel Olmedo Airport in Cordoba.
Investigation Underway
Bertazzo’s body was found in a nearby field 20 minutes later. Officials stated the circumstances are so unusual they cannot explain how it happened. Bertazzo lived with his parents in Cordoba, was single with no children, and was remembered as a 'wonderful person' with a 'great smile and clear outlook on life.' Alvarez said: 'He was an excellent professional, always cheerful, and greatly admired by all his students.' The investigation is ongoing.
