A female student pilot was left to land a plane on her own after her instructor unexpectedly jumped to his death mid-flight. Before his tragic act, the instructor calmly told the student, “You know what you have to do, carry on,” removed his headset and seatbelt, and exited the Cessna 150 aircraft. The incident occurred in Toledo, central Argentina, where the instructor, identified as Bertazzo, was found dead. The student, named Rosario, successfully landed the plane despite the shocking situation, as confirmed by Flying Parrot Córdoba flying school director Eduardo Álvarez.
Although physically unharmed, the student was hospitalized due to severe psychological trauma from the distressing flight experience. The instructor had conducted a flight earlier that day without any issues, but his actions during the fatal flight with Rosario remain inexplicable. Bertazzo, described as a kind individual by Álvarez, was an experienced pilot who had also taught in Chile.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the instructor’s tragic death. It was revealed that Bertazzo had undergone psychiatric treatment before the incident, a fact unknown to the flight school. Opening an aircraft door mid-flight was described as exceptionally challenging, akin to opening a car door at high speeds. The aviation community is shocked by the unforeseen tragedy and is grappling with the complexities of the human mind.
