A flight instructor in Argentina jumped to his death from a plane during a training flight, leaving his 22-year-old student to land the aircraft by herself. The incident happened over Toledo, in central Argentina, on Saturday (July 6), according to a statement from the country’s public prosecutor published on Tuesday (July 8) as reported by CNN.

Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, 42, was instructing a student named Rosario in a Cessna 150 when he removed his headset and seatbelt, told her “You know what you have to do, carry on,” then opened the plane’s door and jumped out. Rosario, who was licensed but had limited experience, managed to keep control of the plane and landed safely at Coronel Olmedo Airport, despite being in “complete shock,” said Eduardo Álvarez, director of the Flying Parrot Córdoba flight school.

Álvarez praised the student’s “clear, decisive, mature and professional” actions, noting that opening a plane door midair is extremely difficult, similar to opening a car door at high speed. He added that Bertazzo had shown no signs that he was considering such an action and had flown with another student earlier the same day.

Local reports indicated Bertazzo had previously received neuropsychiatric treatment, though only close relatives were aware. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to Bertazzo’s death, examining both mechanical and personal factors.

Bertazzo was described by Álvarez as “a beautiful person with a great smile,” and his colleagues expressed shock at the tragedy. The investigation remains open as officials seek to understand the rare and unsettling event.

Michelle Fay