DERBY, KS – A deadly accident at a Kansas airfield claimed the life of Amanda Gallagher, 37, from Wichita, after she accidentally backed into a plane’s propeller while attempting to take photographs on Saturday. The incident took place at Cook Airfield, just south of Wichita, and has left the local community in mourning.
Gallagher, an observer on a skydiving flight operated by Air Capital Drop Zone, was at the airfield to capture photos. According to a statement from the skydiving company, the accident occurred when she inadvertently moved in front of the aircraft’s wing, breaching standard safety protocols. With her camera raised, Gallagher stepped backward. However, she unknowingly moved into the path of the spinning propeller.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office reported that Gallagher was critically injured by the propeller. She ultimately succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The tragic event has resonated deeply within the Air Capital Drop Zone community, with owner Martin Myrtle expressing profound sorrow over the loss. Myrtle described Gallagher as a cherished presence, both beautiful in spirit and beloved by everyone at the drop zone.
Cook Airfield, which houses Air Capital Drop Zone, shared news of Gallagher’s passing on social media and urged followers to keep her loved ones in their thoughts. A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist Gallagher’s family with funeral costs highlighted her as a kind and adventurous individual, deeply missed by her loved ones.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have announced a joint investigation into the incident. This effort will seek to uncover more about the circumstances that ultimately resulted in the fatal accident.