Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Aviation Safety After Slackline-Helicopter Tragedy

Bill responds to Arizona helicopter crash that claimed four lives in January near Superior, AZ

Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Curtis (R-UT), and other lawmakers in introducing the bipartisan and bicameral McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. The new bipartisan legislation would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines.

The legislation comes in response to an accident on January 2, 2026, when a helicopter crashed into a slackline which was strung approximately 600 feet in the air across Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior, Arizona. All four passengers aboard the helicopter died in the crash.

In April, Kelly led an Arizona congressional delegation letter urging the FAA to take immediate steps to prevent future slackline-related collisions.

"David, Katelyn, Rachel, and Faith lost their lives in an Arizona helicopter crash that never should have happened. I've met with their family. No one should have to go through what they've been through. This bill makes sure the FAA acts quickly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again," said Sen. Kelly.

"Strengthening aviation safety is something that both Republicans and Democrats can get behind, especially following the tragic slackline collision that took the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year," said Sen. Merkley. "The FAA must do all it can to keep the flying public safe, and our bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the agency to prioritize aviation safety. We must move swiftly to reduce the risk of any similar tragedy in the future."

"High-adventure activities in Utah, like slacklining, should not come at the cost of aviation safety, particularly for helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions," said Sen. Curtis. "Our bipartisan bill takes a practical look at where the FAA can modernize its policies, improve coordination, and reduce unnecessary risks so everyone sharing our airspace can do so more safely."

"Congress must act with urgency to ensure federal regulators are taking every possible step to prevent low-flying aircraft crashes with slacklines like the tragedy that cost the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year," said Sen. Wyden. "This bill would accomplish that goal by setting deadlines for the Federal Aviation Administration to update and improve its policies and regulations for low-altitude airspace safety."

Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02) and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

"This tragic accident claimed cherished members of two Oregon families far too soon, and our hearts remain with everyone suffering this profound loss. As we look ahead, it is my hope that meaningful changes can be made to ensure a tragedy like this is never repeated," said Rep. Bentz. "This legislation directs the FAA to review and update low altitude airspace safety regulations to help prevent similar incidents in the future."

"Last January's deadly helicopter crash in Arizona exposed a serious safety challenge in low-altitude airspace. I've been vocal in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee that action is needed so this kind of tragedy doesn't happen again," said Rep. Hoyle. "Oregonians know the value of both outdoor recreation and aviation, and we all share a responsibility to ensure that pilots, first responders and wildfire crews have the visibility and information they need to operate safely."

On behalf of the McCarty and Heideman family, "We are very grateful and excited to see the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act be introduced. It is a crucial and urgent step towards making the airspace safer for pilots, passengers, cargo, and anyone using the airspace for work or recreation. We look forward to working on getting this across the finish line!"

The bipartisan and bicameral McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act is supported by key stakeholders and organizations, including the Vertical Aviation International (VAI), National Transportation Aviation Association (NATA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), BackcountryPilot.org, American Spray Drone Coalition, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Life Flight Network, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), Commercial Drone Alliance, and Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation.

Background:

The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act follows a deadly helicopter crash caused by a collision with a slackline in Arizona on January 2, 2026, that tragically claimed the lives of four Americans-David McCarty and his three nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The bipartisan bill would instruct the FAA to use its authorities to review existing policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety, including identifying appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements such as updated requirements related to markings on slacklines.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.