'883, are you OK?': Audio reveals chilling last moments of instructor Viktoria Theresie before fatal crash
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA: Viktoria Theresie Izabelle Ljungman, a native of Sweden, was killed in a plane crash in Virginia after her student pulled the small aircraft up at an excessively steep angle during takeoff, and chilling air traffic control audio recorded her last moments. Audio obtained by LiveATC shows the pilot answering to the controller, "Cleared for takeoff, 97883. Caution wake turbulence," a reference to the typical warning about the consequences of taking off behind a larger aircraft, reported New York Post. Viktoria Theresie died on Thursday, October 6 about 3 pm at Williamsburg International Airport in Newport News, Virginia.
Oluwagbohunmi Ayomide Oyebode, a student at Hampton University, and another unnamed 18-year-old were rushed to Riverside Regional Medical Center with critical injuries. Later, Oyebode was moved to Richmond's VCU Medical Center. Viktoria witnessed her final moments when her Cessna 172 single-engine crashed and fell from a height of roughly 100 feet. The pilot was given the go-ahead for departure during the seconds slightly prior to the disaster, as heard on the air traffic control audio.
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A few seconds later, someone can be heard stating, "We got a crash!" The controller addresses the aircraft by its tail number, N97883, "883, are you OK? Are you on this frequency?" Rescue workers were immediately called to the scene even though there is no response heard. The crash, which is currently under investigation, did not appear to include wake turbulence.
In a statement, Viktoria's family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and said they are "devastated by this enormous loss." According to WTKR, Viktoria's family made a statement on Monday, October 10 saying, "She was not even 22 and a half years old, and we are devastated by this enormous loss. To know Viktoria was to love her, and not just for her family."
Viktoria's family said, "Everyone who interacted with Viktoria admired her kindness and intelligence, and respected her tremendous dedication and work ethic. Viktoria loved Hampton University and her Pirate family. We deeply appreciate that Hampton University made it possible for Viktoria to study in the U.S. on a full scholarship, to achieve her dream of becoming a pilot, and to compete for her school on the tennis courts and on the sailing team."
"We also wish to express our appreciation for all the manifestations of love and support from to all those in Virginia and the U.S. who knew and loved Viktoria, and ask that our privacy be respected at this very difficult time. The Ljungman Family, Torekov and Gothenburg, Sweden," Viktoria's family concluded. Viktoria graduated from Hampton University in Virginia, where she obtained her pilot's license in March 2021 and she earned her flight instructor's license in April 2022.
