A 42-year-old flight instructor, Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, died after leaping from a light plane on Saturday in Toledo, central Argentina, leaving his 22-year-old student to land the aircraft alone. According to a statement from the country's public prosecutor, Bertazzo told his student, Rosario, 'You know what you have to do, carry on,' before removing his headset and seatbelt, opening the door, and jumping out of the Cessna 150 aircraft.
Student Lands Plane Safely Despite Shock
Rosario, who had already obtained her private pilot license and was completing additional flight hours at Coronel Olmedo Airport, landed the aircraft safely on her own, according to Eduardo Álvarez, director of Flying Parrot Córdoba flying school. Álvarez told local reporters that Rosario was in 'complete shock' but managed to land the plane undamaged. She was not physically injured but was hospitalized for severe psychological trauma after the incident.
Instructor's Mental Health History
Investigators have since uncovered that Bertazzo had recently undergone psychiatric treatment prior to the incident. The flight school was completely unaware of his past struggles with mental health. Álvarez expressed surprise, stating, 'He was a beautiful person with a great smile. We are surprised that this has happened.' He noted that Bertazzo had also flown with another student earlier that day without any issues.
Investigation Underway
Prosecutors will investigate the exact details of the incident. Álvarez noted that opening the door of a plane in midair is extremely difficult, comparing it to trying to open the door of a car traveling at 124 miles per hour. Bertazzo was highly experienced and had also worked as a flight instructor in neighboring Chile, according to local news station TN.
