A 37-year-old photographer and skydiving enthusiast, Amanda Gallagher, was killed on October 26, 2024 after backing into a spinning airplane propeller at Cook Airfield near Derby, Kansas, while attempting to photograph skydivers.
Gallagher had been aboard a Cessna 182 operated by Air Capital Drop Zone (ACDZ) as an observer to capture photos of skydivers rather than jumping herself. After the plane landed but remained running, she positioned herself to photograph the next group of skydivers boarding the aircraft.
According to a statement from Air Capital Drop Zone obtained by a local news outlet, after the plane landed and while the next group of skydivers was boarding, Gallagher moved in front of the wing, which violated basic safety protocols. As she raised her camera to take photos, she stepped back slightly toward and into the spinning propeller.
Emergency responders transported Gallagher to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, where she was later pronounced dead due to her injuries.
The privately-owned Cook Airfield, home to the skydiving company where Amanda had been pursuing her passion, released a statement urging the community to rally together during this difficult time. They extended their deepest sympathies to Amanda’s family and friends, describing the impact of her sudden loss. The message, shared on social media, conveyed the airfield’s sadness, asking the community to hold Amanda’s loved ones close in their thoughts and prayers, along with the Air Capital Drop Zone members, who are also grieving.
A GoFundMe page created to collect donations for Amanda’s funeral costs described her death as a tragic accident, noting that she passed away while pursuing her passions of skydiving and photography. The fundraiser also portrayed Amanda as a kind, adventurous, and creative individual, both inside and out. She was remembered as a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed. The effort has raised nearly $15,000.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident. As part of standard procedures at the facility, clients receive briefings and training on safety protocols, including specific warnings about avoiding the propeller arc.
