In the rugged terrain of Telegraph Canyon near Superior, Arizona, a routine joyride turned into a devastating tragedy on January 2, 2026, claiming the lives of pilot David McCarty, 59, and his three nieces: Rachel McCarty, 23; Faith McCarty, 21; and Katelyn Heideman, 22. The crash occurred just hours before McCarty’s scheduled wedding, transforming what should have been a day of celebration into one of profound loss for their Eastern Oregon family. Amid the wreckage, rescue workers made a poignant discovery: a small notebook clutched in the hand of one of the victims, its pages torn and ink smudged, preserving fragments of the final moments before the fatal impact. While authorities have not released details about the notebook’s contents, sources close to the investigation suggest it contained personal notes from the day’s events, adding an emotional layer to the ongoing probe by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. local time when McCarty, an experienced pilot and owner of Columbia Basin Helicopters based in La Grande, Oregon, took off in his MD 369FF helicopter for a scenic flight with his nieces. McCarty, who had flown the canyon numerous times, intended the outing as a pre-wedding adventure to showcase Arizona’s stunning landscapes to his family members visiting from out of state. According to family statements, the group was excited about the ride, with the nieces—close cousins and standout athletes from their high school days in Echo, Oregon—eager to capture the views. Tragically, the helicopter struck a recreational slackline—a high-tension rope strung across the canyon for extreme sports enthusiasts—causing it to plummet into the remote area below.

Witnesses in the vicinity reported hearing a loud impact and seeing debris scatter across the canyon floor. One hiker, who dialed 911, described the scene to dispatchers: “It hit something mid-air and just dropped like a stone.” Emergency responders from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments arrived swiftly, navigating the challenging terrain to reach the site. The recovery operation was complicated by the canyon’s steep walls and dense brush, requiring rappelling teams and aerial support. It was during this effort that rescuers found the notebook, described as a small, personal journal, still in the grasp of Rachel Heideman—wait, Katelyn Heideman, as per official identifications, though initial reports confused names amid the chaos. The book’s pages, damaged by the crash and elements, reportedly included handwritten notes, possibly sketches or reflections from the morning’s excitement, smudged by impact and weather exposure.

The NTSB, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), launched an immediate investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the slackline, a thin wire suspended between canyon walls for highlining—a variant of tightrope walking—was the primary factor. The FAA had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of such hazards in the area, but it’s unclear if McCarty was aware or if the specific line was documented. “Slacklines in remote areas are hard to spot from the air,” an NTSB spokesperson told reporters. The helicopter, a turbine-powered model commonly used for utility work and tours, was not equipped with wire-strike protection kits, which might have mitigated the collision. Weather conditions were clear, ruling out visibility as a cause.

David McCarty’s background underscores the irony of the accident. A seasoned aviator with over 40 years in the industry, he founded Columbia Basin Helicopters in 1993, specializing in agricultural spraying, firefighting, and charter services. Public records show he held multiple certifications and had a clean safety record. McCarty, who split time between Baker County, Oregon, and Queen Creek, Arizona, was known for his adventurous spirit. Family described him as a “devoted uncle” who often treated relatives to flights. On this day, he was set to marry his fiancée, Joelleen Linstrom, in a ceremony planned for later that afternoon. “He wanted to show them the beauty of Arizona before the big moment,” his sister, Mary Jane Heideman, told People magazine. The wedding, anticipated to be a joyous family reunion, instead became a somber gathering of grief.

The nieces, all in their early 20s, were vibrant young women with promising futures. Rachel McCarty, the eldest, had recently graduated from college and was pursuing a career in education. Faith McCarty, her sister, was an aspiring artist known for her community involvement. Katelyn Heideman, their cousin, was a talented photographer with a scholarship to the University of Providence in Montana, where she played basketball. The three were standout athletes at Echo High School in Oregon, competing in multiple sports and earning accolades. “They had such bright futures,” their sister Elizabeth Gallup posted on Facebook, confirming their identities and expressing the family’s devastation. “We truly have no words right now.”

Rescue operations highlighted the challenges of the location. Pinal County Sheriff’s deputies, along with teams from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, rappelled into the canyon to recover the bodies and wreckage. The helicopter was retrieved on January 4, transported to a secure facility for analysis. Among the debris, the notebook stood out as a personal artifact. Described by sources as “tiny” and “cluttered,” it was found with pages torn and ink smudged—likely from the force of the crash and subsequent exposure. While its exact contents remain private pending family consent, insiders suggest it included notes about the wedding day, perhaps lists of to-dos or excited reflections, preserving the “final moments of a day that should have been celebrated forever.” The discovery has evoked comparisons to similar finds in aviation tragedies, where personal items offer poignant insights into victims’ last thoughts.

The slackline’s presence has drawn scrutiny. Highlining, an extreme sport involving walking on suspended ropes, is popular in areas like Telegraph Canyon, known for its dramatic vistas. However, such setups pose hazards to low-flying aircraft. The FAA’s NOTAM system alerts pilots to temporary obstacles, but critics argue it’s inadequate for unmarked lines in remote spots. “These are death traps for helicopters,” aviation expert Mike Slack told CNN. The NTSB is investigating whether the line was legally installed and if prior complaints were addressed. Local hikers have reported similar setups in the area, prompting calls for stricter regulations.

Community responses have been overwhelming. In Echo, Oregon—home to the nieces—a vigil at Echo High School on January 9 drew hundreds, with attendees sharing stories of the victims’ athletic prowess and kindness. “They were the heart of our town,” a former coach told the Hermiston Herald. In Baker County, where McCarty resided, tributes poured in for the “local hero” who supported firefighting efforts. A memorial fund for the family has raised over $50,000, aiding with funeral costs and support for the surviving relatives.

McCarty’s fiancée, Joelleen Linstrom, has remained private, but friends describe her as “devastated.” The wedding venue, a scenic Arizona resort, became a site of mourning instead. Family members, including McCarty’s siblings and the nieces’ parents, issued a joint statement thanking search teams and requesting privacy. “Our hearts are broken, but their spirits live on,” it read.

The investigation continues, with the NTSB expected to release a preliminary report within weeks. Full findings, including analysis of flight data and witness statements, could take months. Toxicology reports on the victims are standard procedure, though no impairment is suspected. The notebook, now in family possession, may offer emotional closure but is unlikely to alter the mechanical cause determination.

This crash joins a series of aviation incidents highlighting wire hazards, such as a 2023 Colorado case where a helicopter struck power lines. Advocacy for mandatory wire markers has intensified, with groups like the Helicopter Association International pushing for reforms.

For the McCarty and Heideman families, the loss is immeasurable. David, a pillar of strength, and the young women, full of promise, leave voids in their communities. As one relative told the East Oregonian, “They were taken too soon, but their light shines on.”

The NTSB urges pilots to review NOTAMs diligently, especially in recreational areas. As Superior grapples with the aftermath, the notebook serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility—ink-smudged pages holding echoes of joy cut short.