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Flight Instructor Jumps From Cessna and Student Lands Safely

Federal prosecutors are examining the aircraft, evidence and testimony to determine motive, fitness to fly and whether training safeguards failed.

Overview

  • The instructor, Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, removed his headset and harness, opened the door of a two-seat Cessna 150 and jumped during a training flight on July 4, leaving his student alone in the cockpit.
  • The 22-year-old student, identified as Rosario, notified controllers, took control of the aircraft and landed safely at the Coronel Olmedo aerodrome while receiving medical attention for shock.
  • Searchers and the flight-school director located Bertazzo's body in a nearby rural area about 20 minutes after the student alerted authorities and emergency services confirmed he had no signs of life.
  • The Fiscalía Federal de Córdoba, with support from the Junta de Seguridad del Transporte, has opened a federal investigation, seized the Cessna for technical pericias and is reconstructing cockpit communications and procedures.
  • The instructor’s family has reported a recent psychiatric consultation, but officials say that connection has not been established and forensic work and testimony are required before any official conclusions are reached.