Chilling Details Emerge After Pilot Jumps Out of Plane to His Death Mid-Flight

Authorities in Córdoba province, Argentina are investigating the circumstances after a flight instructor died after jumping from a small plane mid-lesson. Leandro Bertazzo, 42, exited the pilot seat of a two-seat Cessna 150 on July 4 over Toledo, leaving his 22-year-old student to land the aircraft alone. The family said Bertazzo had been quietly receiving psychiatric treatment and had visited a psychiatric hospital days before his death, though colleagues were unaware. Eduardo Álvarez, who runs the flight school, said lessons are supposed to be suspended if any condition could compromise a pilot, but acknowledged such issues are difficult to detect when not disclosed. Despite watching the instructor fall, the student guided the Cessna safely back to Coronel Olmedo Airport and alerted authorities; Bertazzo’s body was found about 20 minutes later in a nearby field. Investigators are reviewing aircraft documentation and in-air communications, including whether a problem with the door or its safety systems contributed.