There was a deadly accident involving a plane in Derby, Kansas on October 26, 2024. During the incident, a photographer was killed when she backed into a propeller on a plane at Cook Airfield at the Air Capital Drop. According to reports, the photographer has been on board the plane to take photos of sky divers who had jumped from it. She was taking photos of people going on and off the plane when the incident occurred. She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Amanda Gallagher. Additional details regarding the crash have not yet been released.
This tragic incident at Cook Airfield in Derby, Kansas, might have been prevented through the implementation of additional safety protocols specifically designed for high-traffic airfield environments. One crucial preventative measure is the establishment of clearly marked safety zones around aircraft with propellers, which pose a significant hazard. Safety markings, barriers, or cones positioned around the plane could create a visual reminder to maintain a safe distance from the propeller area. By creating a “no-go” zone around active or potentially active propellers, individuals on the ground can be more aware of the danger areas even while focused on other tasks, such as photography.
Mandatory ground safety briefings for all individuals working on or around aircraft are another essential step that could have helped prevent this incident. These briefings would reinforce situational awareness and instruct all personnel on safe operating procedures, especially around propeller-driven aircraft. A safety briefing could include specific instructions on approaching and moving around the plane, as well as the dangers of getting close to a spinning or idling propeller. Reviewing these guidelines with everyone present at the airfield, especially those unfamiliar with working near planes, could help prevent accidental proximity to hazardous areas.
Using a dedicated guide or spotter is another preventative measure that could enhance safety during active events at airfields, particularly when non-flight crew members are on the tarmac. A designated safety guide could assist photographers, event staff, and visitors in navigating the airfield while avoiding high-risk areas around aircraft. This person’s role would be to monitor and guide individuals safely around active planes, providing clear directions to prevent accidents. In a busy environment, where people may be focused on their specific tasks, a guide can help maintain a safe perimeter and keep non-crew members away from dangerous parts of the aircraft.
Additionally, safety protocols can include the use of audible warnings or signal systems around the aircraft when the engine or propellers are active. Audible alarms or flashing lights attached to the aircraft or placed nearby can act as additional safety signals to alert ground personnel of a running propeller. These types of warning systems can be especially useful in environments where people may be focused on other tasks and might not realize the immediate proximity of the propeller. Such warnings serve as an effective reminder for everyone nearby to keep a safe distance.
Finally, establishing a comprehensive risk management plan can be instrumental in enhancing safety. This plan could include hazard assessments specific to photography activities, identifying risks associated with close proximity to aircraft and propellers. Pre-incident safety meetings and real-time monitoring of the area could provide organizers with an opportunity to reinforce safe practices, ensuring that all personnel remain in designated areas. Proactively addressing these safety elements would help minimize the potential for tragic accidents like this in the future, fostering a safer environment for everyone involved in airfield events.
There have been a number of recent plane accidents in 2024. A Beech C99, crashed shortly after the plane took off from the Catalina Airport on October 8, 2024. A Piper PA-28 crashed in Louisville, Kentucky on October 11, 2024. A Navy EA-18G Growler crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington on October 15, 2024. There was a plane crash during a performance at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo in Las Cruces, New Mexico on October 20, 2024. A Cirrus SR20 crashed just over the Utah-Arizona border after taking off from St. George Regional Airport on October 27, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 to learn more about your legal rights.