Overview
- The NTSB and FAA are examining the Jan. 2 crash near Telegraph Canyon, with a preliminary NTSB report expected within about 30 days and a final report potentially taking up to two years.
- Authorities confirmed the victims as pilot David McCarty, 59, and his nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman after crews reached the remote site and found no survivors.
- Federal records show a NOTAM issued in late December warned of a flagged, lighted highline spanning more than half a mile roughly 600 feet above the canyon and advised pilots to steer clear.
- A safety expert noted the alert was associated with Superior Airport rather than the helicopter’s departure point in Queen Creek, raising the possibility the pilot did not see the notice.
- A witness reported the helicopter struck the line before falling, and aviation experts emphasized that wires and lines can be difficult or nearly impossible to see during low-level canyon flying.