On Tuesday, at approximately 5:19 pm, it was reported that a helicopter went down close to Pogo Mine near Delta Junction.

For reasons unknown at this time, 63-year-old James Hopper of Grandview, Missouri, lost control of the MD-600 helicopter he was piloting and the aircraft collided with the hillside.

The crash resulted in Hopper’s death. He was pronounced deceased by the EMTs at Pogo Mine.

Hopper’s remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Anchorage.

Hopper’s next of kin have been notified.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA were notified of the crash and responded to the scene. The investigation into the crash continues.