A tragic accident claimed the life of 37-year-old Kansas photographer Amanda Gallagher, who was fatally injured after stepping back into a plane’s spinning propeller while attempting to take photos. Gallagher was photographing skydivers at the Air Capital Drop Zone near Derby, Kansas, when the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, according to officials, told PEOPLE.
Gallagher had been aboard a Cessna 182 to capture photos of skydivers mid-air, returning to the ground after the jumpers exited. After the plane landed, the next group of skydivers prepared to board. Though the aircraft was grounded, the engine remained running, keeping the propeller in motion, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Aviation Administration.
In a statement, Air Capital Drop Zone explained that Gallagher’s actions unintentionally violated essential safety protocols. “For unknown reasons … she moved in front of the wing, a violation of basic safety procedures,” the statement read. “With her camera up to shoot photos as she did so, she stepped back slightly, moving toward and into the spinning propeller.”
The organization underscored the critical nature of maintaining situational awareness around active aircraft and reminded personnel of the necessary precautions to avoid such tragic incidents.
Gallagher was known as a passionate photographer with a keen interest in capturing unique moments, including the exhilarating scenes of skydiving. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures in high-risk environments like aviation. While authorities continue investigating the specifics, Air Capital Drop Zone has emphasized its commitment to strict safety guidelines and procedures to prevent similar accidents.
Friends and family of Gallagher have expressed shock and grief over the incident, remembering her as a dedicated professional with a zest for life and a love for photography. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the FAA are overseeing the investigation, hoping to bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.