UPDATE: Four people were killed after a privately owned helicopter crashed in a remote mountainous area east of the Valley late Friday morning, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

Authorities identified the pilot as 59-year-old David McCarty of Queen Creek.

The three passengers were his family members: Rachel McCarty, 22; Faith McCarty, 21; and Katelyn Heideman, 21.

All four were pronounced deceased at the scene.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

A man and his three nieces were among those killed in a tragic helicopter crash that occurred in a remote mountainous area east of the Valley late Friday morning.

According to preliminary information, the helicopter struck a slackline, which caused a rotor blade to separate from the aircraft.

Witness accounts indicate the helicopter then inverted before crashing into the mountainside.

Authorities have not yet confirmed these details, as the investigation remains ongoing.

First responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident occurred around 11 a.m. in the mountains near Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior.

Due to the rugged and difficult terrain, emergency crews have faced significant challenges accessing the crash site, delaying the confirmation of injuries and fatalities during the initial response.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft involved was an MD 369FF helicopter, commonly known as a Hughes 500, and stated that four people were on board at the time of the crash.

Pinal County deputies further confirmed that the privately owned helicopter had departed from Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek earlier that morning.

Once deputies reached the area, they located the wreckage; however, the remote location has complicated recovery and investigative efforts. Out of an abundance of caution, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the area to ensure airspace safety during rescue and investigation operations.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are jointly investigating the crash.

The NTSB will lead the investigation and is expected to provide official findings and updates as more information becomes available.

This incident has deeply impacted the community, and authorities have expressed their condolences to the families affected as recovery efforts continue.