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Niamh Shackleton
Warning: Distressing content
An air traffic control recording revealed a flight instructor's final moments.
Viktoria Theresie Izabelle Ljungman was a 22-year-old instructor and was out with a pair of students when tragedy struck.
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According to early evidence, Ljungman was with trainees Oluwagbohunmi Ayomide Oyebode and another unidentified 18-year-old flying a single-engine plane in October 2022 when Oydebode stalled the plane after pulling the aircraft up at too steep of an angle during takeoff.
While the flight ended in disaster, audio revealed a voice, thought to be Ljungman's, chatting to air traffic control as normal before the plane left the tarmac.
Responding to control staff regarding clearance to begin their journey, a female pilot says: "Cleared for takeoff, 97883. Caution wake turbulence."
The latter signalled a standard warning given about taking off behind a larger aircraft, according to audio available from LiveATC.net.
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Shortly after this, someone utters: “We got a crash!”
“883, are you OK?” the controller asks in reference to the plane’s identifiable tail number, N97883.
They then ask again: “Are you on this frequency?”, sadly to no avail, by which time air traffic control dispatched emergency services to the scene.
In the audio, it's not clear who exactly is communicating with air traffic control, as any of the three pilots would have been able to speak with staff on the ground prior to the plane crash.
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UNILAD has contacted Williamsburg International Airport for further comment.
Tragically Ljungman lost her life in the crash, while her two students were left in a serious condition.
Oyebode was later taken to VCU Medical Center in Richmond to further continue medical care.
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Following her untimely passing, Ljungman's family shared a moving tribute to the budding instructor.
She'd gained her pilot license in March 2021, and her license as a flight instructor followed the month after.
"Everyone who interacted with Viktoria admired her kindness and intelligence, and respected her tremendous dedication and work ethic," part of their statement read.
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"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."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.