Authorities Investigate Fatal Helicopter Crash in Superior Involving Pilot and Three Relatives
SUPERIOR, Ariz. — Authorities are investigating a fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of a man and his three nieces in a remote mountainous area east of the Valley late Friday morning.
According to preliminary information, the helicopter is believed to have struck a slackline, causing a rotor blade to separate from the aircraft. Witnesses reported that the helicopter inverted before crashing into the mountainside. Officials cautioned that these details have not yet been confirmed, as the investigation remains ongoing.
First responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident occurred around 11 a.m. in the mountains near Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior.
Due to the rugged and difficult terrain, emergency crews encountered significant challenges accessing the crash site, which delayed the confirmation of injuries and fatalities during the initial response.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft involved was an MD 369FF helicopter, commonly known as a Hughes 500, and stated that four people were on board at the time of the crash.
Pinal County deputies also confirmed that the privately owned helicopter had departed from Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek earlier that morning.
Once deputies reached the area, they located the wreckage; however, the remote location has continued to complicate recovery and investigative efforts. As a precaution, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the area to ensure airspace safety during rescue and investigation operations.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are jointly investigating the incident, with the NTSB leading the inquiry.
Officials said additional information and official findings will be released as the investigation progresses.
The crash has deeply affected the community, and authorities have expressed their condolences to the families impacted as recovery and investigative efforts continue.
