Executive Summary
- Four people were killed when a helicopter crashed into Telegraph Canyon, Arizona, on January 2.
- Investigators state the aircraft struck a recreational slackline strung across the canyon.
- A federal NOTAM had been issued warning of a “tight rope obstruction” in the area.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating whether the pilot was aware of the hazard advisory.
Four individuals were killed in a helicopter crash southeast of Phoenix on January 2 after the aircraft reportedly struck a recreational slackline strung across Telegraph Canyon, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred near Superior, approximately 65 miles east of Phoenix, prompting a joint investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Preliminary evidence cited by authorities indicates that the helicopter collided with a slackline—also known as a highline—that extended more than one kilometer across the mountain range. An eyewitness who contacted 911 reported observing the aircraft strike a portion of the line before it plummeted into the canyon. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all four occupants on board sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Federal aviation records reveal that a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) had been issued prior to the flight, warning pilots of a “tight rope obstruction” in the specific area. While the FAA advisory system is designed to alert pilots to potential hazards, investigators have not yet determined if the pilot was aware of the notice or had reviewed it before takeoff. The International Slackline Association stated that the line had aviation markers attached, though it remains unclear if these markers met specific visibility standards or were visible to the pilot at the time of the impact.
Helicopters frequently operate at lower altitudes than fixed-wing aircraft, particularly in rugged terrain, which federal aviation safety guidance suggests increases the risk of encountering obstacles such as cables or wires. According to the International Slackline Association, the webbing involved was a narrow strip of nylon or polyester tightened between anchor points. The association noted that no individuals were on the line when the collision occurred.
Aviation Safety Investigation
The involvement of a recreational highline in a fatal aviation accident underscores the critical importance of airspace management in remote, mountainous regions. As the FAA and NTSB proceed with their inquiries, the focus will likely center on the effectiveness of the NOTAM system in communicating temporary hazards to low-flying aircraft and the regulatory standards regarding the visibility of recreational obstructions. The findings could influence future protocols for marking high-altitude slacklines to prevent similar tragedies in shared airspace.
