Federal investigators probe slackline in helicopter crash that killed 4 Oregonians

By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories More Top Stories

PINAL COUNTY, Arizona – Federal investigators are now examining why a recreational slackline was placed in an active flight area in an Arizona mountain range following Friday’s helicopter crash that killed four people from Oregon.

David McCarty, 59, was taking his three nieces on a tour through Telegraph Canyon, located about an hour southeast of Phoenix, just hours before he was to be married. Authorities say that’s when the La Grande businessman’s private helicopter struck the slackline that was stretched across the canyon.

According to eyewitnesses, the helicopter plunged to the ground, killing McCarty, and his nieces, Rachel McCarty, 23; and Faith McCarty, 21, both from Echo; and Katelyn Heideman, 22, from Hermiston.

McCarty, who owns Columbia Basin Helicopters, based in La Grande, lived in Baker City. His family said he also had a home in Arizona.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

Photo via Pinal County Sheriff’s Office