Woman dies after backing into plane propeller while taking pictures

A woman died after she backed into an airplane propeller while taking photos, officials said.

Local media outlets like KWCH and KAKE reported that Amanda Gallagher from Kansas was taking photos during a visit at the Air Capital Drop Zone, a skydiving center, in the community of Derby when she backed into a plane's moving propeller on Oct. 26.

Gallagher was critically injured and was transported to a local hospital where she died, according to KSNW.

Air Capital Drop Zone said Gallagher was on one of its flights as an observer to take photos, according to NBC News.

“After the airplane landed, for unknown reasons, as the next group of jumpers were boarding, she moved in front of the wing, a violation of basic safety procedures,” it said. “With her camera up to shoot photos as she did so, she stepped back slightly moving toward and into the spinning propeller.”

A spokesperson for Cook Airfield, the airport where the accident took place, confirmed the tragedy but opted "not to speculate" on the matter.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young lady who died yesterday after a tragic accident with an airplane propeller on Cook Airfield," the spokesperson said on Facebook. "I wasn't there when it happened, so I will not speculate on what could have or should have happened differently."

Gallagher's loved ones put up a GoFundMe to help with the funeral expenses. Over $14,500 (P845,000) has been raised as of writing.

Abbey Charboneau, her sister-in-law, described her in the GoFundMe post as "kind, adventurous, creative, and beautiful inside and out."

"She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend and will be greatly missed," Charboneau said.

The relative noted that Gallagher died "doing what she loved, skydiving and taking pictures[.]"

Authorities are still conducting their investigation on the matter.