Flight instructor jumps from training plane mid-air, leaves student to land aircraft

Flight instructor Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, 42, died after jumping from a moving Cessna 150 light aircraft during a training flight in Toledo, central Argentina.

According to CNN, Bertazzo was teaching a 22-year-old student, identified as Rosario, when he reportedly removed his headset, put aside his mobile phone, and unbuckled his seatbelt.

He then told her, "You know what you have to do, carry on," before opening the aircraft door and leaping into the void from a height of about 820 feet.

The student, who was left alone in the cockpit, managed to remain calm and immediately radioed air traffic control for assistance.

Despite having limited flying experience, she followed emergency procedures and landed the plane safely at Coronel Olmedo Airport.

Eduardo Álvarez, director of the Flying Parrot Córdoba school where Bertazzo worked, praised the student for acting with great level-headedness and complete professionalism despite being in shock.

He confirmed that the plane suffered no damage during the landing.

Álvarez and his colleagues described Bertazzo as an experienced commercial pilot who was well regarded and had also previously taught in neighbouring Chile.

He noted that opening a cabin door in mid-flight is extremely difficult due to air pressure, likening it to trying to open a car door at 200 kilometres per hour.

There were no outward warning signs that Bertazzo intended to jump, as he had completed a flight with another student earlier that same day.

Colleagues described him as a jovial, professional person who showed no signs of distress during his standard bi-annual health assessments.

Reports from Argentine media later revealed that Bertazzo had been undergoing psychiatric treatment, a fact that was apparently known only to his close family.

The Córdoba Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident, with the current evidence pointing to an apparent suicide.

Investigators are examining factors such as witness statements, weather conditions, and the pilot's medical history.