Flight instructor jumps from aircraft during training flight in Argentina
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A student pilot was forced to land a Cessna C-150 alone after her instructor jumped from the cockpit mid-flight. The incident occurred on July 4 near Córdoba, Argentina.
Amalgamated from Daily Mail (opens in new tab), Daily Mail (opens in new tab), The Sun (opens in new tab)
A flight instructor died after jumping from a Cessna C-150 during an aerial training session in central Argentina on July 4, 2026. The aircraft was taking off from Coronel Olmedo Airport near Córdoba when the incident occurred.
The student pilot involved in the flight was a 22-year-old woman who was required to land the plane alone after her instructor, Leandro Bertazzo, exited the cockpit mid-flight. Reports from both The Sun and the Daily Mail confirm that the trainee managed to complete the landing independently following his jump.
Bertazzo, who was 42 years old at the time of the incident, was a flight instructor. His father told the Daily Mail that Bertazzo had been going through a difficult time prior to the event.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the specific circumstances of the jump or any ongoing investigation into the training session. The pilot's actions and the subsequent situation in which the student was left to fly alone were reported by multiple outlets following the flight.
Why this matters
The incident highlights the significant safety risks and psychological demands inherent in aviation instruction. It also underscores the importance of emergency procedures for trainee pilots who must react when a primary instructor becomes unavailable during flight.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Multiple news outlets confirmed the date, location, identities of the individuals involved, and the fact that the student landed the plane alone. The specific quote regarding the instructor's personal difficulties was reported by the Daily Mail via his father.
Background
Coronel Olmedo Airport is a regional airfield located in the Córdoba Province of Argentina. The Cessna C-150 is an aircraft frequently utilized for pilot training and local transport.