Flight Instructor Dies After Jumping From Plane Mid-Air
A 42-year-old flight instructor died after deliberately jumping from a training plane over Argentina, leaving his novice student pilot to safely land the aircraft alone.
A chilling incident occurred in Toledo, Argentina when 42-year-old flight instructor Leandro Bertazzzo jumped from a training aircraft during flight, resulting in his death. His 22-year-old female trainee pilot, with limited flying experience, managed to control the aircraft and land it safely on her own. According to the trainee's account, before jumping, the instructor removed his headset, organized his belongings including his mobile phone, unbuckled his seatbelt, and opened the aircraft door—which was difficult to open—before jumping out. She immediately notified authorities and successfully brought the aircraft back to the airport for landing. The director of Flying Parrot Córdoba flight school praised her professionalism, noting that despite her shock, she demonstrated expert skill in flying back and landing the plane flawlessly. The instructor, known for being cheerful and good-natured, said to his student before jumping, "You know what to do. Just keep going." Local media reports indicate the deceased instructor had previously received psychiatric and neurological treatment, with only close family members aware of this information before the incident occurred.
