A father has revealed that his son, a pilot named Leandro Bertazzo, who tragically jumped from a plane mid-flight, had been going through a challenging period before the incident. Bertazzo, 42, was supervising a training flight with a 22-year-old student in Córdoba, Argentina, on July 6 when he suddenly detached himself and leaped from the aircraft. Before his fateful jump, he calmly instructed the student to continue flying the plane.

The student initially thought Bertazzo had deployed a parachute, but soon realized he had not. His body was later discovered in a field close to where he exited the aircraft. Eduardo Alvarez, the director of the flight school where Bertazzo was employed, shared that the pilot’s father had informed him about his son’s struggles.

Reports indicated that Bertazzo had visited a psychiatric hospital a week prior to the incident. Described as single and living with his parents, the pilot had no children. Despite the tragic event, the student received praise for her composure and successful landing of the plane.

Alvarez commended the student for her professionalism and ability to handle the situation, noting that she returned the aircraft safely to the airfield and executed a flawless landing. He emphasized Bertazzo’s positive attributes as a well-regarded and cheerful professional among his students.

Alvarez expressed bewilderment at Bertazzo’s decision, emphasizing the complexity of the human mind. He mentioned that the pilot had completed a normal training flight earlier that day and had exhibited his usual cheerful demeanor. The investigation into the incident is being carried out by Argentina’s Federal Justice of Córdoba.

For assistance with emotional distress, individuals can contact the Samaritans helpline at 116 123 or reach out via email or visit their website.