This article is based on the official preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the January 2, 2026, accident in Superior, Arizona.

NTSB Preliminary Report: Slackline Collision Cited in Fatal Arizona Helicopters Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report regarding the fatal crash of an MD Helicopters MD369FF near Superior, Arizona, on January 2, 2026. The investigation confirms that the aircraft collided with a recreational slackline suspended across Telegraph Canyon, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and three passengers. The report highlights critical issues regarding the visibility of the obstacle and the effectiveness of the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system.

According to the NTSB’s findings, the accident occurred at approximately 11:00 AM local time. The helicopter, registered as N3502P, was conducting a private sightseeing flight when it struck the line, causing a catastrophic separation of the main rotor system. The fuselage subsequently fell to the canyon floor. The crash claimed the lives of pilot David McCarty, 59, and three passengers: Rachel McCarty, 23; Faith McCarty, 21; and Katelyn Heideman, 21.

Investigation Findings: The Obstacle and Visibility

The preliminary report identifies the primary hazard as a recreational highline, specifically a slackline used for balancing, strung between the canyon walls. The NTSB investigation revealed that the line spanned approximately one kilometer (0.6 miles) and was suspended roughly 600 feet above the ground. While the slackline was reportedly flagged and lighted, investigators noted significant discrepancies regarding its actual visibility to pilots.

Witnesses and first responders indicated that the line was extremely difficult to detect against the terrain. The report notes that a rescue helicopter operating in the area after the crash nearly collided with the same line, underscoring the difficulty of seeing the webbing even when crews are alert to hazards. Reports suggest the flagging may have been limited to one end of the span, and the lighting was either inactive or insufficient for daytime conditions.

The NOTAM System Disconnect

A central focus of the ongoing investigation is the dissemination of safety information through the NOTAM system. The NTSB confirmed that a Notice to Air Missions had been filed regarding the slackline. However, the warning was geographically attached to the Superior Municipal Airport (E81).

The accident flight departed from Pegasus Airpark (5AZ3) in Queen Creek, Arizona. Because standard pre-flight briefings are typically generated based on the departure point and specific route, the warning listed under the nearby Superior airport code likely did not appear in the pilot’s briefing package. Consequently, despite the hazard being “officially” logged in the system, the pilot was likely unaware of the wire’s existence before entering the canyon.

AirPro News Analysis

The tragedy in Superior has reignited urgent discussions within the aviation safety community regarding the modernization of the NOTAM system. Current protocols often rely on airport-specific filings that can bury critical en-route hazards if a pilot does not specifically query a nearby, non-departure aerodrome.

We observe that this incident parallels long-standing criticisms that the NOTAM system is antiquated. Safety advocates argue that hazards such as highlines spanning navigable canyons should be presented as geo-fenced obstacles on moving maps rather than text-based warnings hidden under specific airport identifiers. The fact that a rescue helicopter also experienced a near-miss suggests that the current method of marking and notifying pilots of temporary recreational obstacles is insufficient for low-level operations.

Context and Next Steps

The pilot, David McCarty, was the owner of Columbia Basin Helicopters and was described as a highly experienced commercial pilot specializing in utility operations, including firefighting and agricultural work. The flight was a personal sightseeing trip taken on the morning of his scheduled wedding.

The NTSB has stated that the investigation is ongoing. A final report, which will determine the probable cause of the accident and potentially issue safety recommendations, is expected to take between 12 and 24 months to complete. Future investigative work will likely focus on spectral analysis of the webbing to determine its visibility, compliance with marking regulations, and potential software improvements for pilot briefings.

Sources:

• NTSB Preliminary Report (PDF)