Local News
Pilot with his three nieces killed in helicopter crash in Superior
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.
Three young lives were tragically lost in a fiery head-on collision early Wednesday morning, November 4, 2026, on Highway 158 near Happy Hill Road in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina.
Authorities have identified the victims as 16-year-old Baisley, 22-year-old Saige Richardson, and 27-year-old Tyler Robinson. Their deaths have left three families grieving an unimaginable loss and have deeply saddened those who knew and loved them.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 2 a.m. when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided head-on along Highway 158.
The force of the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but all three individuals involved in the collision were pronounced dead at the location.
The victims were identified as Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. They were 16, 22, and 27 years old, respectively. Each had a life of their own, with relationships, hopes, and plans for the future. Their sudden deaths have left loved ones facing a devastating reality.
Following the collision, Highway 158 was closed for several hours as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. The roadway reopened at approximately 5:35 a.m.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and officials have not released further details about what may have led to the two vehicles striking each other.
The deaths of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson are a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change. At just 16, 22, and 27, all three had so much life ahead of them. Their loss will be felt most deeply by their families, friends, and everyone whose lives they touched.
For their loved ones, the days ahead will bring the difficult task of navigating grief while holding on to the memories of those they have lost. Three families are now left with an absence that words cannot fully describe.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with the families and friends of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. May they find strength, comfort, and support during this painful time.
May Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson rest in eternal peace.