A fatal helicopter crash in Arizona last week was preceded by a Federal Aviation Administration notice warning of a slackline stretched across a mountainous area, raising questions about flight planning and safety. The incident, which claimed the lives of pilot David McCarty and three family members, occurred when the aircraft struck a temporary tightrope near Telegraph Canyon, a week after a NOTAM was issued to alert pilots of the obstacle.
Background/Context
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, are the primary source of real‑time information about temporary hazards, airspace restrictions, and other operational concerns. While pilots routinely scan NOTAMs before flight, the recent incident highlights how a single overlooked warning can have deadly consequences. The slackline, more than half a mile long, was installed for a construction project in the remote highlands east of Phoenix. According to the FAA, the line was flagged and lit, but the NOTAM issued on December 26 was not widely disseminated among the helicopter’s flight crew.
For international students studying aviation or flight operations, this case underscores the importance of mastering NOTAM interpretation. Many flight schools emphasize the basics of flight planning, but the nuances of temporary obstacles—especially those that are not permanently marked—are often overlooked. The McCarty tragedy serves as a stark reminder that situational awareness begins with a thorough review of all NOTAMs along the entire flight path, not just at departure or arrival points.
Key Developments
On January 2, 2026, a Bell 206 helicopter operated by Columbia Basin Helicopters took off from Queen Creek Airport, heading toward a remote agricultural site. The aircraft was carrying pilot David McCarty, 59, and three of his nieces—Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The flight path crossed Telegraph Canyon, where the slackline had been installed for a temporary construction crew.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter collide with a portion of the line before plunging into the canyon floor. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently combing through the wreckage, with investigators expecting to release a preliminary report within the next few weeks. Authorities confirmed the identities of the victims on Monday, noting that McCarty had founded Columbia Basin Helicopters in the 1990s and had built a reputation for firefighting support and agricultural spraying across nine western states.
The FAA’s NOTAM, issued on December 26, read: “Temporary slackline installed across Telegraph Canyon, 64 miles east of Phoenix. Line is flagged and lit. Duration: 7 days. Pilots advised to avoid the area.” The notice was visible on the FAA NOTAM portal and in most flight planning software, yet the crash suggests that the warning was either missed or deemed non‑critical by the flight crew.
According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute, an average of a few helicopter crashes each year are attributed to striking wires or towers. However, this is the first documented case involving a slackline, making it a unique and unsettling addition to the list of preventable aviation accidents.
Impact Analysis
For the aviation community, the incident raises several concerns:
- NOTAM Visibility: Even when a NOTAM is issued, its visibility depends on the flight planning tools and the pilot’s diligence.
- Temporary Obstacles: Slacklines, power cables, and other temporary structures can be difficult to detect without proper lighting or markers.
- Flight Planning Standards: The FAA recommends reviewing NOTAMs within 25 nautical miles of the flight path, but many pilots focus only on departure and arrival points.
International students and flight trainees may find the case particularly relevant. Many flight schools rely on simulation and classroom instruction, but real‑world flight planning requires a different level of vigilance. The McCarty crash demonstrates that even experienced pilots can overlook critical information if they do not adopt a systematic approach to NOTAM review.
Moreover, the incident has sparked discussions about the adequacy of current NOTAM dissemination. Some industry experts argue that the FAA should implement mandatory NOTAM acknowledgment for all flight plans, ensuring that pilots confirm receipt of all relevant notices before departure.
Expert Insights/Tips
Tom Anthony, director of the Aviation Safety and Security Program at the University of Southern California, emphasized the importance of comprehensive NOTAM review. “Pilots must check for any notices that might be issued along an entire flight path, not just where a flight departs or lands,” he said. “Under FAA regulations, that means reviewing notices within 25 nautical miles of the flight path.”
Hassan Shahidi, president and chief executive of the Flight Safety Foundation, added that safety hinges on situational awareness. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing too many of these incidents where, you know, it’s really preventable,” he said. “It should not happen.”
For flight students and operators, the following practical steps can reduce the risk of similar accidents:
- Use Integrated Flight Planning Software: Tools like ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, and Jeppesen provide real‑time NOTAM overlays and can flag temporary obstacles.
- Set NOTAM Alerts: Many apps allow pilots to set alerts for specific types of NOTAMs, such as “temporary obstacle” or “construction.”
- Cross‑Check with Local Authorities: When operating in remote or construction‑heavy areas, contact local air traffic control or the FAA’s Flight Service Station for additional information.
- Maintain a NOTAM Log: Keep a written or digital log of all NOTAMs reviewed for each flight, and verify that the log is signed by the pilot.
- Participate in Safety Briefings: Regular safety briefings that include NOTAM review can reinforce best practices among crew members.
International students studying aviation should also be aware that NOTAMs are issued in English and may contain technical jargon. Taking the time to understand the terminology—such as “flagged,” “lit,” and “duration”—is essential for accurate interpretation.
Looking Ahead
The NTSB investigation will likely examine whether the NOTAM was adequately communicated to the flight crew and whether the pilot’s flight plan incorporated the temporary slackline warning. If the investigation finds procedural gaps, the FAA may consider updating NOTAM dissemination protocols, possibly requiring pilots to acknowledge receipt of all NOTAMs before a flight plan is filed.
Columbia Basin Helicopters has suspended operations pending the investigation’s findings. The company’s CEO, who has been a key player in firefighting support across the western United States, expressed deep regret over the loss of life and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Industry groups such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association are calling for enhanced training modules that focus on temporary obstacle recognition. They also advocate for the development of a standardized labeling system for temporary structures, ensuring that any slackline, cable, or construction rope is clearly marked and illuminated.
For students and professionals alike, the incident serves as a sobering reminder that aviation safety is a shared responsibility. By staying vigilant, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, the industry can prevent future tragedies.
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