Viktoria Theresie: Friends of flight instructor killed in plane crash say she died trying to achieve her dream
HANOVER, MARYLAND: Friends of the young flight instructor who lost her life in a plane crash in Virginia opened up on how her dream was to become a commercial pilot and called her a legend for working towards it. Viktoria Theresie Izabelle Ljungman, 23, died in the crash on Thursday, October 6 at 3 pm.
The incident occured when an 18-year-old student pilot she was instructing pulled the small plane up at too steep of an angle at takeoff, leading the engine to stall and the aircraft to fall from about 100 feet. After takeoff from the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport in Virginia, the plane crashed into the barrier next to the runway.
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While speaking to the Daily Press, Charlie Hudson, who played tennis with Viktoria at Hampton University, said, “I remember when I first met her, that’s all she ever wanted to do. She wanted to be a commercial pilot." Hudson said, “She was just … such a pure soul that she seemed so innocent,” adding, “How she presents herself on social media… was how she was in person. I think that’s quite rare these days, to find someone who’s like for like, both in person and online.”
Viktoria used to frequently post about her journeys on her Instagram profile. The 23-year-old was from Sweden, and had attended Hampton University in Virginia. She earned her pilot license in March 2021, followed by her flight instructor license in April 2022.
Her former college roommate at Hampton, Myana Mabry, said she was proud of Viktoria for following her dreams. While speaking to WAVY, Myana said, "To know ‘Hey, my roommate is a legend — not a legend in the making, but a legend,” adding, “It was just so commendable and so rewarding to see her dreams become a reality.” Myana recalled how her former roommate was loved by everyone who became acquainted with her at the university. Myana said, “She just was her being so authentic, people were naturally drawn to her." Hudson added how her positive outlook drew everyone towards her. Hudson said, “I don’t remember her ever not smiling,” adding, “She was just contagious in her energy, just lovely to be around.”
One of the victims, 18-year-old Oluwagbohunmi Ayomide Oyebode, was taken to VCU Hospital in Richmond. The other victim, also an 18-year-old student onboard, suffered life-threatening injuries. Their name has not been revealed. A spokesperson for the Hampton University said that both Oyebode and the 18-year-old male are students. Meanwhile, Viktoria's graduating class at Hampton is set to organize donations to send to her family, Myana said.