What's happened
A helicopter collided with a slackline near Telegraph Canyon, Arizona, on January 2, killing pilot David McCarty and three family members. Investigators are examining the cause, including the role of the slackline, which was marked with aviation notices. The crash highlights ongoing safety concerns with unmarked cables and lines in flight paths.
What's behind the headline?
The crash underscores the persistent danger posed by unmarked or poorly marked obstacles like slacklines in flight paths. Despite FAA regulations requiring notices and markings, the presence of a marked highline suggests gaps in enforcement or compliance. The incident may prompt stricter oversight of such obstructions, especially in remote areas where visibility is limited. The fact that the slackline was marked with aviation notices indicates some awareness, but the tragedy reveals that current measures are insufficient to prevent such accidents. The case could lead to increased regulation of recreational highlines near flight zones, and a reassessment of how well pilots are informed about obstacles along their routes. This event will likely accelerate efforts to improve obstacle marking standards and enforcement, reducing future risks for helicopter operations in similar environments.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that authorities are investigating the crash, with a focus on the slackline that was reportedly marked with aviation notices. AP News emphasizes the role of FAA regulations and the importance of reviewing Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for flight safety, highlighting the ongoing investigation by federal agencies. The NY Post provides details about the victims, the pilot David McCarty, and the circumstances of the crash, including the remote location and the impact of the collision. All sources agree that the incident raises critical safety concerns about obstacle marking and pilot awareness, with investigations ongoing to determine if mechanical issues or oversight contributed to the tragedy.
How we got here
The crash involved a private helicopter flying through remote Telegraph Canyon, east of Phoenix. The aircraft struck a long slackline, which was reportedly marked with aviation notices, during a family trip. David McCarty, owner of Columbia Basin Helicopters, was an experienced pilot. The incident is under investigation by the NTSB and FAA, amid concerns about unmarked or improperly marked obstructions in flight areas.
Go deeper
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David Andrew McCarty was an American first baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball. From 1993 through 2005, McCarty played with the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Oakland Athletic
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