The helicopter that crashed near Telegraph Canyon, Arizona, on Jan. 2 has been recovered and moved to a secure facility for examination. The crash killed pilot David McCarty and his nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty and Katelyn Heideman, ages 22, 21 and 21. Investigators are examining the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment; preliminary evidence suggests the helicopter may have struck a recreational slackline stretched across the mountain range. The NTSB expects a preliminary report in about 30 days, with a final report typically taking 12–24 months.
Arizona Helicopter Recovered After Crash That Killed Pilot And Three Nieces; Investigators Probe Possible Slackline Strike
Facebook; InstagramDavid McCarty; Rachel McCarty; Katelyn Heideman (photo of Faith McCarty unavailable at this time)
Federal investigators have recovered the helicopter that crashed near Telegraph Canyon in Superior, Arizona, on Jan. 2, an accident that killed the pilot and three of his nieces on what was meant to be his wedding day.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said the wreckage was recovered on Sunday, Jan. 4, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed on Jan. 6 that the aircraft has been transported to a secure facility for detailed examination. The crash claimed the lives of pilot David McCarty and his nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty and Katelyn Heideman; authorities said the victims were ages 22, 21 and 21.
Investigators are concentrating on three main areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. According to the NTSB, officials will review air traffic control recordings, radar data and witness statements as part of the ongoing probe. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also conducting a parallel investigation.
The sheriff’s office said the helicopter departed Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek and that first responders were alerted to the crash at about 11 a.m. local time. Emergency crews and FAA investigators reached the wreckage on foot because of steep, rugged terrain.
Pinal County Sheriff's Office/FacebookAuthorities parked at site where a helicopter crashed carrying four people on board in Superior, Arizona.
An unusual and potentially critical detail emerged from the on-scene report: preliminary evidence indicates the helicopter may have struck a recreational slackline that had been strung across the mountain range. Officials said an eyewitness who called 911 reported seeing the aircraft hit a portion of the line before it fell to the canyon floor. The county release described the line as more than one kilometer long.
The FAA temporarily restricted flights in the area following the accident. The NTSB said it expects to issue a preliminary report within about 30 days; a final report that determines probable cause and any contributing factors typically takes 12 to 24 months.
Family And Community Reaction
Local media and relatives said McCarty had been flying his nieces to look at local sights before his wedding ceremony later that day. McCarty and his fiancée, Joelleen Linstrom, had announced their engagement on social media in September. Following the crash, Linstrom posted a photo that appears to show McCarty fishing but did not issue a public statement.
“They had such bright futures,” Mary Jane Heideman, mother of Katelyn and aunt to Rachel and Faith, told The Arizona Republic. “They were all so loved. It’s just hard to fathom.”
The investigation remains active. Officials ask anyone with additional information or photos of the area at the time of the accident to contact the investigating agencies.
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