Student Pilot Lands Plane Solo After Instructor's Mid-Flight Exit

Jul 9, 2026

79 min

Jul 9, 2026 07:32

Argentina student pilot lands plane alone after instructor jumps to his death mid-flight

## Mid-Flight Tragedy in Argentina

A shocking incident unfolded in Argentina when a student pilot had to land a plane alone after her instructor exited the aircraft mid-flight. The event took place shortly after takeoff from a flying school near Córdoba.

## Instructor's Final Words

The instructor, Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, aged 42, reportedly removed his headset, unbuckled his seatbelt, and opened the door of the Cessna while it was at approximately 850 feet. Before stepping out, he told his student, "You know what you have to do. Carry on."

## Student's Remarkable Response

The 22-year-old trainee, known only as Rosario, managed to maintain control and safely land the plane. After landing, she contacted emergency services and helped identify the area where Bertazzo's body was later found, near Toledo in Córdoba province.

## Investigation Underway

The incident, which occurred on July 4, has led to an ongoing investigation by Argentine authorities. No criminal charges have been filed, and the focus remains on understanding the instructor's actions. Colleagues at Flying Parrot Córdoba, where Bertazzo worked, expressed shock, noting he had shown no signs of distress earlier that day.

## Personal Struggles Revealed

Bertazzo's family disclosed that he had been dealing with personal issues and had sought psychiatric help prior to the incident. This information was not known to his colleagues.

## Aviation Community Stunned

The aviation community has been taken aback by the event, as student pilots are trained for emergencies but not for the sudden absence of their instructor. Rosario's ability to land the plane safely has been described as extraordinary under such circumstances.

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