Helicopter crash that killed 4 family members on wedding day blamed on collision with slackline
A fatal helicopter crash that took place in Arizona last Friday is believed to be the result of a collision with a recreational slackline strung across the terrain.
According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, a report about the crash was received around 11 a.m. on January 2, with a helicopter said to have gone down near Telegraph Canyon in mountains south of the town of Superior. Upon investigation, it was determined that the helicopter involved in the crash was a private one out of Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek – above 28 miles west of the crash site. Four people were on board.
A later update indicated that preliminary evidence points to the helicopter crashing after striking a slackline that stretched more than a kilometer between two points in the surrounding mountain range. According to an eyewitness, the helicopter struck the line and then fell toward the bottom of the canyon.
All four people on board the aircraft died, including 59-year-old pilot David McCarty of Queen Creek and three of his nieces who were visiting from Oregon, ages 22, 21, and 21. FOX 10 reports that it was McCarty’s wedding day and that he was showing his nieces the sights of the area prior to the ceremony.
The FOX 10 report also notes that McCarty was an experienced pilot who owned multiple helicopters, with one of his family members saying he had likely traveled in the area of the canyon where the crash occurred 100 times.
The International Slackline Association made a statement on the tragic situation, expressing condolences to those impacted by the crash. The organization also reported that the involved highline had aviation markers attached to it and that the Federal Aviation Administration had been informed of the highline, with a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issues prior to the incident.
No highliners were on the line at the time it was struck.
The official investigation into the situation, conducted by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, continues with additional information to be released when it becomes available.
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