Overview
- Family members identified the victims as pilot David McCarty, 59, and his nieces Rachel McCarty, 23, Faith McCarty, 21, and Katelyn Heideman, 22.
- The MD 369FF helicopter departed Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek around 11 a.m. before crashing in Telegraph Canyon south of Superior.
- Preliminary findings from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and a 911 eyewitness indicate the helicopter struck a recreational slackline more than one kilometer long.
- The International Slackline Association says the highline carried aviation markers, and federal records show a NOTAM warned of a flagged, lighted rope near the site at about 600 feet above ground level.
- The NTSB is leading the investigation after documenting the scene, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction, and a preliminary report is expected within 30 days as crews move the wreckage for further examination.