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    Student pilot lands Cessna solo after instructor falls to his death mid-flight

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    By on World News
    Student pilot lands Cessna solo after instructor falls to his death mid-flight

    Get you up to speed: Student pilot forced to land plane alone after instructor ‘jumps to his death mid-flight’ | News World

    Leandro Bertazzo, a 42-year-old flight instructor, reportedly jumped from the cabin of a Cessna C-150 during a training flight near Toledo, Argentina, on July 4. The 22-year-old student pilot, who was left to land the aircraft alone, safely brought it down at Coronel Olmedo Airport and radioed for help following the incident.

    The Federal Justice of Córdoba is conducting an investigation into the incident, focusing on all relevant circumstances and witness accounts suggesting a deliberate act. Authorities are also examining the aircraft and flight documentation, particularly any potential mechanical failures related to the hatch or aircraft safety systems.

    The Federal Justice of Córdoba is investigating the circumstances surrounding Leandro Bertazzo’s death, with officials scrutinising potential mechanical failures related to the aircraft’s safety systems. Witness accounts suggest a deliberate act, leaving the local aviation community in shock and prompting discussions on mental health support within the industry.

    What remains unclear — Investigators have yet to determine whether a mechanical failure contributed to the incident involving Leandro Bertazzo.

    Student pilot lands Cessna solo after instructor falls to his death mid-flight

    Student pilot lands Cessna solo after instructor falls to his death mid-flight
    Leandro Bertazzo is reported to have fallen to his death from the plane as he was training a student (Picture: JamPress)

    A student pilot has spoken of how she was forced to land a plane alone after her instructor ‘jumped to his death from the cockpit’ midway through the flight.

    The unnamed 22-year-old had been training with her instructor, 42-year-old Leandro Bertazzo, over Toledo, Argentina, on July 4, when he reportedly opened the window of the Cessna C150 plane and jumped.

    The student’s account of the incident states that she watched Bertazzo plunge to his death. While she previously thought he had deployed a parachute she soon realised that was not the case.

    Despite witnessing such a harrowing moment — and having only limited experience in flying — the student raised the alarm before landing the plane safely and unaided at Coronel Olmedo Airport, which is based in Cordoba and commonly used by flight schools for training pilots.

    Reports said Mr Bertazzo’s body was found in a nearby field 20 minutes later.

    Story from Jam Press (Pilot Mysteriously Jumps) Pictured: The plane that was reportedly being flown by Leandro Andr?s Bertazzo. A 42-year-old pilot has mysteriously fallen to his death during a flight as a young trainee was forced to land the plane. Leandro Andr?s Bertazzo, 42, reportedly opened the door and jumped from the aircraft while in mid-air. The qualified commercial pilot was conducting a training flight with the 22-year-old woman when he allegedly jumped. The student pilot was forced to take control and land the Cessna C-150 light aircraft safely on her own. According to the student, named Rosario, Leandro told her ?you know what you have to do? and ?keep going forward?. The pilot, who worked for Flying Parrot Flight School in C?rdoba, Argentina, then removed his headphones, set aside his mobile phone, and unfastened his seatbelt. Rosario said he then opened the cabin door ? described as extremely difficult in flight due to air pressure ? and jumped from an altitude of about 820 feet (250 metres). The aircraft was flying near the rural area of Toledo, south of C?rdoba, when the incident occurred. The student immediately radioed for help, followed emergency procedures and landed the undamaged plane at the airfield without further incident. School director Eduardo ?lvarez, who received the alert from the student, said she was in shock but acted with ?great level-headedness?. She initially thought her instructor might have deployed a parachute but soon realised he had not. Eduardo and colleagues took off to search and located Leandro?s body in a field within 15 minutes. The emergency services confirmed his death at the scene. The instructor had flown earlier that day with another student on a re-training flight with no issues. Colleagues described him as cheerful, professional and impeccably presented, with no visible signs of distress. He had worked at the school for four years after a decade of training there and had previously flown in Chile, as reported by NeedToKnow. Eduardo, who called Leandro a friend, said: ?He arrived, we greeted each other with a kiss and a hug as always? We are all in shock. ?There is no way to understand what happened.? He added that Leandro had been applying for a position with a major airline. It later emerged that Leandro had reportedly received psychiatric treatment, a detail known only to his family. No colleagues had detected any warning signs during physical and mental health checks required every six months. The Federal Justice of C?rdoba is investigating the incident, which has stunned the local aviation community. Officials are examining all circumstances, although witness accounts point to a deliberate act. The student was unharmed and the aircraft sustained no damage, including to the door. ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES Fair Dealing / Fair Use: In limited cases, Jam Press may distribute material under fair dealing/fair use principles for legitimate editorial reporting purposes. Jam Press accepts responsibility for licensed editorial publisher usage only. Any additional client usage, including use across owned social media channels, commercial marketing or non-editorial purposes, remains the responsibility of the client.
    The unnamed student had to land the Cessna C-150 alone (Picture: JamPress)

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    Eduardo Alvarez, director of flight school Flying Parrot Cordoba, where Mr Bertazzo worked as an instructor, revealed details of his conversation with the student after the incident.

    Speaking to Argentinian media he explained that she told him he had ‘jumped’, adding: ‘[She said] he took his headphones off, arranged his belongings including his mobile phone, took his seatbelt off, opened the door which is very difficult to open and jumped out.’

    ‘She sent a message informing about the situation and proceeded to return to the runway to land,’ he added, saying the student, who had a pilot’s licence but few flying hours under her belt, had been ‘very clear, decisive, mature and professional’.

    Story from Jam Press (Pilot Mysteriously Jumps) Pictured: Leandro Andr?s Bertazzo. A 42-year-old pilot has mysteriously fallen to his death during a flight as a young trainee was forced to land the plane. Leandro Andr?s Bertazzo, 42, reportedly opened the door and jumped from the aircraft while in mid-air. The qualified commercial pilot was conducting a training flight with the 22-year-old woman when he allegedly jumped. The student pilot was forced to take control and land the Cessna C-150 light aircraft safely on her own. According to the student, named Rosario, Leandro told her ?you know what you have to do? and ?keep going forward?. The pilot, who worked for Flying Parrot Flight School in C?rdoba, Argentina, then removed his headphones, set aside his mobile phone, and unfastened his seatbelt. Rosario said he then opened the cabin door ? described as extremely difficult in flight due to air pressure ? and jumped from an altitude of about 820 feet (250 metres). The aircraft was flying near the rural area of Toledo, south of C?rdoba, when the incident occurred. The student immediately radioed for help, followed emergency procedures and landed the undamaged plane at the airfield without further incident. School director Eduardo ?lvarez, who received the alert from the student, said she was in shock but acted with ?great level-headedness?. She initially thought her instructor might have deployed a parachute but soon realised he had not. Eduardo and colleagues took off to search and located Leandro?s body in a field within 15 minutes. The emergency services confirmed his death at the scene. The instructor had flown earlier that day with another student on a re-training flight with no issues. Colleagues described him as cheerful, professional and impeccably presented, with no visible signs of distress. He had worked at the school for four years after a decade of training there and had previously flown in Chile, as reported by NeedToKnow. Eduardo, who called Leandro a friend, said: ?He arrived, we greeted each other with a kiss and a hug as always? We are all in shock. ?There is no way to understand what happened.? He added that Leandro had been applying for a position with a major airline. It later emerged that Leandro had reportedly received psychiatric treatment, a detail known only to his family. No colleagues had detected any warning signs during physical and mental health checks required every six months. The Federal Justice of C?rdoba is investigating the incident, which has stunned the local aviation community. Officials are examining all circumstances, although witness accounts point to a deliberate act. The student was unharmed and the aircraft sustained no damage, including to the door. ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES Fair Dealing / Fair Use: In limited cases, Jam Press may distribute material under fair dealing/fair use principles for legitimate editorial reporting purposes. Jam Press accepts responsibility for licensed editorial publisher usage only. Any additional client usage, including use across owned social media channels, commercial marketing or non-editorial purposes, remains the responsibility of the client.
    Mr Bertazzo had worked as a commercial pilot in Chile (Picture: JamPress)

    ‘She was very shaken, but with complete professionalism she flew the plane to the airfield and made a perfect landing,’ he added.

    It’s also been reported that at one point during the flight Mr Bertazzo told her: ‘You know what to do, keep moving forward.’

    Mr Alvarez went on to describe him as someone who was ‘always smiling’, saying that his death had come completely out of the blue.

    Story from Jam Press (Pilot Mysteriously Jumps) Pictured: Emergency services at the location where the pilot's body was found. A 42-year-old pilot has mysteriously fallen to his death during a flight as a young trainee was forced to land the plane. Leandro Andr?s Bertazzo, 42, reportedly opened the door and jumped from the aircraft while in mid-air. The qualified commercial pilot was conducting a training flight with the 22-year-old woman when he allegedly jumped. The student pilot was forced to take control and land the Cessna C-150 light aircraft safely on her own. According to the student, named Rosario, Leandro told her ?you know what you have to do? and ?keep going forward?. The pilot, who worked for Flying Parrot Flight School in C?rdoba, Argentina, then removed his headphones, set aside his mobile phone, and unfastened his seatbelt. Rosario said he then opened the cabin door ? described as extremely difficult in flight due to air pressure ? and jumped from an altitude of about 820 feet (250 metres). The aircraft was flying near the rural area of Toledo, south of C?rdoba, when the incident occurred. The student immediately radioed for help, followed emergency procedures and landed the undamaged plane at the airfield without further incident. School director Eduardo ?lvarez, who received the alert from the student, said she was in shock but acted with ?great level-headedness?. She initially thought her instructor might have deployed a parachute but soon realised he had not. Eduardo and colleagues took off to search and located Leandro?s body in a field within 15 minutes. The emergency services confirmed his death at the scene. The instructor had flown earlier that day with another student on a re-training flight with no issues. Colleagues described him as cheerful, professional and impeccably presented, with no visible signs of distress. He had worked at the school for four years after a decade of training there and had previously flown in Chile, as reported by NeedToKnow. Eduardo, who called Leandro a friend, said: ?He arrived, we greeted each other with a kiss and a hug as always? We are all in shock. ?There is no way to understand what happened.? He added that Leandro had been applying for a position with a major airline. It later emerged that Leandro had reportedly received psychiatric treatment, a detail known only to his family. No colleagues had detected any warning signs during physical and mental health checks required every six months. The Federal Justice of C?rdoba is investigating the incident, which has stunned the local aviation community. Officials are examining all circumstances, although witness accounts point to a deliberate act. The student was unharmed and the aircraft sustained no damage, including to the door. ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES Fair Dealing / Fair Use: In limited cases, Jam Press may distribute material under fair dealing/fair use principles for legitimate editorial reporting purposes. Jam Press accepts responsibility for licensed editorial publisher usage only. Any additional client usage, including use across owned social media channels, commercial marketing or non-editorial purposes, remains the responsibility of the client.
    His body was found in a nearby field 20 minutes after the plane landed (Picture: JamPress)

    ‘He took this tragic decision on board a plane with a person by his side,’ he said.

    ‘There’s no way to think about it or understand it, but the human mind is so complex, so treacherous. That’s why what happened, happened.’

    An investigation into the instructor’s death is ongoing with officials saying the circumstances surrounding the accident are so unusual they are unable to explain how it might have happened.

    Story from Jam Press (Pilot Mysteriously Jumps) Pictured: The plane that was reportedly being flown by Leandro Andr?s Bertazzo. A 42-year-old pilot has mysteriously fallen to his death during a flight as a young trainee was forced to land the plane. Leandro Andr?s Bertazzo, 42, reportedly opened the door and jumped from the aircraft while in mid-air. The qualified commercial pilot was conducting a training flight with the 22-year-old woman when he allegedly jumped. The student pilot was forced to take control and land the Cessna C-150 light aircraft safely on her own. According to the student, named Rosario, Leandro told her ?you know what you have to do? and ?keep going forward?. The pilot, who worked for Flying Parrot Flight School in C?rdoba, Argentina, then removed his headphones, set aside his mobile phone, and unfastened his seatbelt. Rosario said he then opened the cabin door ? described as extremely difficult in flight due to air pressure ? and jumped from an altitude of about 820 feet (250 metres). The aircraft was flying near the rural area of Toledo, south of C?rdoba, when the incident occurred. The student immediately radioed for help, followed emergency procedures and landed the undamaged plane at the airfield without further incident. School director Eduardo ?lvarez, who received the alert from the student, said she was in shock but acted with ?great level-headedness?. She initially thought her instructor might have deployed a parachute but soon realised he had not. Eduardo and colleagues took off to search and located Leandro?s body in a field within 15 minutes. The emergency services confirmed his death at the scene. The instructor had flown earlier that day with another student on a re-training flight with no issues. Colleagues described him as cheerful, professional and impeccably presented, with no visible signs of distress. He had worked at the school for four years after a decade of training there and had previously flown in Chile, as reported by NeedToKnow. Eduardo, who called Leandro a friend, said: ?He arrived, we greeted each other with a kiss and a hug as always? We are all in shock. ?There is no way to understand what happened.? He added that Leandro had been applying for a position with a major airline. It later emerged that Leandro had reportedly received psychiatric treatment, a detail known only to his family. No colleagues had detected any warning signs during physical and mental health checks required every six months. The Federal Justice of C?rdoba is investigating the incident, which has stunned the local aviation community. Officials are examining all circumstances, although witness accounts point to a deliberate act. The student was unharmed and the aircraft sustained no damage, including to the door. ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES Fair Dealing / Fair Use: In limited cases, Jam Press may distribute material under fair dealing/fair use principles for legitimate editorial reporting purposes. Jam Press accepts responsibility for licensed editorial publisher usage only. Any additional client usage, including use across owned social media channels, commercial marketing or non-editorial purposes, remains the responsibility of the client.
    Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death (Picture: JamPress)

    One line of inquiry being followed is whether a mechanical failure relating to a hatch or one of the plane’s safety systems occurred, with the craft and the flight school documentation being studied, along with the communications maintained while the plane was airborne.

    Local reports have said Mr Bertazzo, who described himself as a former commercial pilot in Chile, had undergone neuropsychiatric treatment.

    However, only close family members were said to be aware of this before his tragic death occurred.

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