A tragic helicopter crash on January 2, 2026, claimed the lives of four Oregonians, raising serious questions about the safety of slacklining. The incident occurred near Superior, Arizona, where a helicopter is believed to have collided with a slackline stretched 600 feet above a canyon. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash.
Details of the Incident
Local authorities reported that the helicopter was likely entangled with a slackline spanning over half a mile. The victims included 59-year-old pilot David McCarty and his three nieces: Rachel McCarty, 23, Faith McCarty, 21, and Katelyn Heideman, 21. Fortunately, there were no slackliners on the line at the time of the accident.
Growing Concerns Over Slacklining Safety
The event has sparked criticism regarding the lack of oversight in the sport of slacklining, also known as highlining. As the popularity of this extreme sport increases, so does the risk it poses to air traffic. Eyewitness accounts and law enforcement reports suggest that the helicopter made contact with the slackline just before the tragic crash.
FAA Communication Issues
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had received warnings concerning slackline hazards through its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system. However, many aviators have criticized this system as ineffective, stating that it buries crucial safety notices among a multitude of irrelevant alerts. DJ Vegh, a local airport manager, voiced concerns on social media, advocating for clearer communication between slackliners and pilots.
Community Response and Future Initiatives
Following the incident, Vegh expressed his desire to use this tragedy as a catalyst for meaningful change. He has suggested elevating slackline placements to the status of Temporary Flight Restrictions to ensure better visibility for pilots. Vegh is working with the International Slackline Association to improve safety protocols and foster communication between outdoor enthusiasts and aviation professionals.
- Victims: David McCarty, Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, Katelyn Heideman
- Date of Incident: January 2, 2026
- Location: South of Superior, Arizona
- Investigation Agency: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Slackline Height: 600 feet above the canyon
- Slackline Distance: Over half a mile
Slacklining on the Rise
As slacklining grows in popularity, many enthusiasts, including experienced slackliner and pilot Corbin Kunst, acknowledge the increasing risks associated with the sport. Kunst suggests that advanced tools and communication methods could help prevent future tragedies.
Next Steps
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days of the crash, but a comprehensive investigation may take much longer. Community members are hopeful that improved regulations and dialogue will make slacklining safer for all participants and nearby air traffic.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures in the extreme sport of slacklining, particularly as its popularity continues to rise across public lands in the United States.
