Overview
- Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, 42, was found dead after leaving the Cessna during a training flight on July 4, the country’s public prosecutor confirmed.
- The 22-year-old student, identified as Rosario, radioed the airfield, followed emergency procedures and landed the undamaged Cessna C-150 on her own; school officials praised her composure.
- Multiple eyewitness and the student’s accounts say Bertazzo removed his headset and seatbelt, arranged his belongings, told the student “you know what to do” or “keep moving forward,” opened the cabin door and exited the aircraft.
- Federal Justice of Córdoba has opened a formal investigation that is inspecting the plane, the door or hatch mechanisms, flight communications and training records as it weighs mechanical failure against a deliberate act; no cause has been determined.
- Family members have told local media Bertazzo had recent psychiatric treatment, a detail not evident to colleagues, and the incident is likely to prompt closer scrutiny of instructor medical checks and small-aircraft safety procedures.