A joyous family gathering in Arizona turned into unspeakable tragedy when experienced pilot and groom-to-be David McCarty, 59, perished alongside his three young nieces in a helicopter crash just hours before his wedding ceremony. The incident occurred on January 2, 2026, in the remote Telegraph Canyon near Superior, east of Phoenix, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a day of celebration.
McCarty, a successful Oregon businessman and founder of Columbia Basin Helicopters, had taken off from Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek for a short scenic flight. On board were his nieces: sisters Rachel McCarty, 23, and Faith McCarty, 21, along with their cousin Katelyn Heideman, 22. All from Oregon, the young women had traveled to Arizona for the wedding of their beloved uncle to fiancée Joelleen Linstrom.
The group intended a quick aerial tour to admire the dramatic canyon views before the nuptials. McCarty, known for his deep familiarity with the terrain and multiple helicopters under his ownership, had flown the area numerous times without incident. Relatives described the flight as a loving gesture to share the beauty with family.
Tragedy struck around 11 a.m. when the MD 369FF helicopter collided with a recreational slackline – a high-tension webbing over one kilometer long stretched across the canyon for extreme balancing activities. An eyewitness reported seeing the aircraft strike the line, shearing rotor blades and sending it plummeting to the canyon floor.
Emergency crews faced arduous conditions, hiking into the rugged site due to its inaccessibility. All four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration launched investigations, examining visibility, placement of the slackline, and any prior notifications to pilots.
Family tributes poured in, painting pictures of vibrant lives cut short. The young women were remembered as close-knit, full of promise and deeply loved. One relative noted the devastating impact: multiple families losing half their children on a day meant for joy. Surviving niece Elizabeth Gallup shared an emotional post, expressing gratitude for support amid overwhelming grief, affirming they are “all in heaven together.”
Linstrom posted a quiet tribute photo of McCarty, capturing the silent heartbreak of a future stolen. The International Slackline Association expressed sorrow, noting the line had aviation markers and a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued.
This accident highlights risks in low-altitude flights over adventure hotspots, where temporary obstructions can pose deadly hazards. As probes continue, the families navigate profound loss, a stark reminder of how swiftly happiness can turn to sorrow.
