Terry was an experienced pilot and aerial applicator who was flying for Western Helicopter Services in Newberg, Oregon, this year. Western Helicopter Services, which specializes in forestry applications, purchased Terry’s former operation, Industrial Aviation Services in Salem, Oregon, in January. Terry’s father, Jerry Harchenko, founded Industrial Aviation Services, before Terry took over the business. Terry and Rick Krohn, the former owner of Western Helicopter Services, had been great friends.

Western Helicopter’s branch manager, Paul Washburn, told the Capital Press that Terry was humble, eager to serve and passionate about flying.

Andrew Moore, NAAA CEO, stated, “Terry, and his father before him, Jerry, were devoted advocates of the aerial application industry in both Oregon and nationally. His passing, Paul Gould’s in Oklahoma, Gene Kritter’s accident in North Carolina—all fatal accidents this year are quite tragic and are great losses for aerial application advocacy, especially at the state level.”

Western Helicopter Services has approximately 20 full-time employees, including five full-time pilots. “We are mourning for Terry, and will be for quite some time,” Washburn said, per the Capital Press. NAAA has been in contact with the Oregon Department of Agriculture since Terry’s accident and a number of their representatives were also mourning his passing.

Please keep Terry’s family and co-workers in your prayers as they mourn his loss. At the time of this writing there were no details on memorials.