Arizona Helicopter Crash in Remote Mountains, Rescue Crews Mobilized
A private helicopter crashed in the remote mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, on a Friday morning. The incident involved an MD 369FF helicopter, which was carrying four individuals at the time of the crash. This unfortunate event occurred around 11 a.m. local time, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Location and Response
The crash site is situated near Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior, Arizona. Superior is approximately 70 miles east of Phoenix. Rescue crews are currently attempting to access the challenging terrain to reach the crash victims.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is actively involved in the response efforts. At this stage, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries among those on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) along with the FAA has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. In the interest of safety, the FAA has issued a temporary flight restriction over the area. This measure aims to ensure a secure environment for ongoing search and rescue operations.
Summary of Key Facts
- Incident: Helicopter crash
- Date: January 2, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. local time
- Aircraft: MD 369FF helicopter
- Passengers: Four individuals on board
- Departure Point: Pegasus Airpark, Queen Creek, Arizona
- Location: Near Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior, Arizona
- Investigation: Conducted by NTSB and FAA
- Safety Measures: Temporary flight restrictions in place
As developments unfold, El-Balad will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the rescue operations and investigation findings.