A flight training exercise in Argentina ended in tragedy after a flight instructor died during a training flight, leaving a student pilot to take control of the aircraft and land it safely on her own.
The incident took place over the town of Toledo on July 6 and involved a Cessna C-150, a light aircraft commonly used for pilot instruction.
Authorities later recovered the body of 42-year-old flight instructor Leandro Bertazzo in a field following a search operation that lasted around 20 minutes after an emergency alert was raised.
According to reports from local media, Bertazzo had been conducting a training flight with a 22-year-old student pilot when the incident occurred.
Student Forced to Take Control of Aircraft
The student, who reportedly held a pilot’s licence but had limited flying experience, said the instructor removed his headset and gathered his personal belongings during the flight.
She recalled that he also removed his seatbelt before leaving his seat position.
Before the incident unfolded, the instructor allegedly told her: “You know what to do, keep moving forward.”
Faced with an unexpected emergency, the student immediately contacted authorities and assumed full control of the aircraft.
Despite the stressful circumstances, she successfully navigated the plane back to the airfield and completed the landing without assistance from another pilot on board.
The safe landing has drawn praise from aviation professionals and local observers.
Flight School Praises Student’s Response
The director of the flight school commended the student’s actions, describing her performance as calm and professional despite the traumatic situation.
According to the director, she remained focused throughout the emergency and executed what was described as a flawless landing.
He said she demonstrated clear decision-making and maturity while handling an incident that few trainee pilots would ever expect to encounter.
The school also paid tribute to Bertazzo, remembering him as a friendly and cheerful individual who was well known among students and colleagues.
Investigation Ongoing
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reports indicated that Bertazzo had previously worked as a commercial pilot in Chile and was regarded as an experienced aviation professional.
Some local media outlets reported that he had been receiving neuropsychiatric treatment, although it was understood that only close family members were aware of his condition.
Investigators noted that Bertazzo had completed another training flight earlier on the same day without any reported issues before departing on the flight with the 22-year-old student.
Officials said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain highly unusual and that inquiries are continuing to determine exactly what occurred during the flight.
The student was not physically injured in the incident and safely returned the aircraft to the ground, preventing what could have become a far more serious aviation disaster.