Victims Named After Deadly Helicopter Crash in Remote Mountains Near Superior
SUPERIOR, Ariz. — Authorities identified four people who were killed after a privately owned helicopter crashed in a remote mountainous area east of the Valley late Friday morning, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Officials identified the pilot as 59-year-old David McCarty of Queen Creek.
The three passengers were identified as family members Rachel McCarty, 22; Faith McCarty, 21; and Katelyn Heideman, 21. All four individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene.
PCSO officials confirmed that the helicopter departed from Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek prior to the incident.
Preliminary information indicates the aircraft went down around 11 a.m. in the mountains near Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior.
Investigators stated that the helicopter struck a recreational slackline that had been strung across the mountain range and measured more than half a mile in length.
An eyewitness contacted 911 after observing the aircraft collide with the line before descending into the canyon below. Initial reports suggest the impact caused a rotor blade to separate, leading the helicopter to overturn before crashing into the mountainside.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft involved was an MD 369FF helicopter and stated that four people were on board at the time of the crash.
Deputies and search-and-rescue teams responded immediately; however, access to the crash site was significantly delayed due to steep and rugged terrain. Rescue crews reached the remote location at approximately 5 p.m., and officials confirmed the fatalities several hours later.
As a precautionary measure, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the area to maintain airspace safety during recovery and investigative operations.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are jointly investigating the incident, with the NTSB leading the inquiry.
Authorities have extended their condolences to the victims’ family as recovery efforts continue and investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
