Arizona helicopter crash reported after aircraft struck slackline in canyon

Officials say a helicopter struck a slackline in a Pinal County canyon and crashed on Jan. 2, killing four people; the FAA and NTSB are investigating.

A helicopter crashed on Jan. 2 in Telegraph Canyon in Pinal County, Arizona. Officials reported the aircraft struck a slackline stretched across the canyon before it went down. Search and rescue teams reached the site and confirmed four fatalities. Federal aviation authorities have been notified and an investigation is under way. What officials reported: - The incident occurred in Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior in Pinal County. - An eyewitness account and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said the helicopter struck a slackline stretched across the canyon before crashing. - Search and rescue teams confirmed four people died; family members have identified the deceased but the sheriff’s office had not yet formally released identities. - The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating, and records show a NOTAM had warned pilots of a flagged, lighted rope in the area. Summary: The crash resulted in four deaths and has prompted federal investigation by the FAA and NTSB. Undetermined at this time.