07.01.2026 21:53
A helicopter crash in the state of Arizona has shocked the nation. David McCarty, a businessman and pilot from Oregon, lost his life along with three of his nephews when the tour helicopter he was piloting struck a taut cable belonging to a zip line just hours before his wedding.
The helicopter crash in Arizona, USA, turned into a major tragedy. David McCarty (59), a businessman from Oregon and an experienced pilot, lost his life along with three of his nephews after the sightseeing helicopter he was piloting struck a taut cable belonging to a rope course just hours before his wedding.
STRUCK THE CABLE WHILE FLYING OVER THE CANYON
According to a report by the New York Post, the accident occurred in the remote Telegraph Canyon near the town of Superior, located east of Phoenix. The private MD 369FF helicopter piloted by McCarty struck a taut balance cable that was reportedly set up for tightrope walkers, extending across the mountainous area.
HELICOPTER CRASHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CANYON
It was reported that the impact caused the helicopter's rotor blades to break off, and then the aircraft fell to the bottom of the canyon. It was announced that all four people on board, including the pilot, lost their lives at the scene.
DIED WITH HIS NEPHEWS
In a statement regarding the accident, it was noted that David McCarty, the owner of Columbia Basin Helicopters, as well as his nephews Rachel McCarty (23), Faith McCarty (21), and Katelyn Heideman (22) also lost their lives. According to the East Oregonian newspaper, all four were from Oregon and had come to Arizona for a family celebration.
"HE JUST WANTED TO SHOW HIS FAMILY AROUND"
A relative of McCarty stated in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, "He just wanted to show his family around." Relatives also mentioned that McCarty had flown in the same area many times before without any issues and was an experienced pilot.
A witness who called 911 expressed that the helicopter struck the taut cable before crashing. Reports in the US media suggested that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously been informed about the cable in question.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA regarding the accident.
DIED JUST HOURS BEFORE HIS WEDDING
The accident occurred just hours before David McCarty was to marry his fiancée Joelleen Linstrom. It was reported that the helicopter took off from Pegasus Airport in Queen Creek and was involved in the accident south of Superior.
SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS WERE ABLE TO REACH HOURS LATER
Due to the difficult and remote nature of the area, search and rescue teams had to walk to the crash site. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office stated that the teams reached the area only 6 hours later and confirmed that all four individuals had died on the same day.