Federal aviation records reveal that a week prior to a tragic helicopter crash, a warning was issued concerning a slackline that was to be installed across a mountainous region of Arizona. This advisory aimed to alert pilots to the temporary hazard as they planned flights through the area.
The incident claimed the lives of helicopter pilot David McCarty, 59, and three of his nieces, Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman, after their helicopter collided with the slackline near Telegraph Canyon. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter strike the line before plunging into the depths of the canyon.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators are expected to meticulously examine the wreckage in the upcoming weeks to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash, which occurred on January 2. The case has sparked significant concern in the aviation community, as safety experts are unaware of any previous helicopter accidents attributed to slacklines.
Helicopter pilots frequently grapple with the risks posed by power lines and unmarked cables, as these obstacles are notoriously difficult to spot without proper markers or infrastructure such as power poles. Tom Anthony, director of the Aviation Safety and Security Program at the University of Southern California, emphasizes the necessity for pilots to review Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) meticulously. Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, this means checking for any advisories that may affect the entire flight path, rather than only the departure and arrival points.
Anthony advises pilots to extend their review of notices to within 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) of their route to account for any potential hazards, including slacklines, runway work, and temporary airspace restrictions. Despite the tedious nature of this task, he insists on its importance for ensuring safety in aviation.
As the investigation unfolds, federal authorities will determine whether any mechanical failures or other issues contributed to the accident, with a complete report anticipated to take months to finalize. The identities of the victims have been confirmed by authorities, highlighting the personal and familial loss involved in the crash.
David McCarty was the founder of Columbia Basin Helicopters, established in the 1990s, which grew to earn millions in federal contracts for a range of services including firefighting support and agricultural spraying across nine western states, with operational bases in Oregon and Arizona. Philip Hofbauer, a long-time friend of the McCarty family from Ukiah, Oregon, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing the victims as remarkable individuals who served as inspirations in his life.
The helicopter crashed approximately 64 miles (103 kilometers) east of Phoenix, shortly after taking off from an airport in Queen Creek. It took rescuers several hours to navigate the rugged terrain to reach the crash site. Reports indicate that the slackline exceeded half a mile (more than one kilometer) in length. A notice warning pilots about the line was issued on December 26, indicating it would be in place for several days and would be flagged and illuminated for visibility.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute reports that, on average, several helicopter accidents each year are caused by collisions with wires or towers. They highlight that FAA charts and applications can assist pilots in identifying potential hazards, including real-time updates on flight planning and weather conditions.
Hassan Shahidi, president and chief executive of the Flight Safety Foundation in Virginia, emphasized the critical importance of situational awareness and understanding airspace in ensuring flight safety. He expressed alarm over the rise in preventable incidents, asserting that such accidents should not occur.
