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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Collides with Terrain During Aerial Surveying Flight (N500DX)

Paxson, AK, US

On February 10, 2003, a Hughes 369E (registration N500DX) operated by Delta Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Paxson, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's attention being diverted inside the cockpit to look at the global positioning system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter conducting an aerial surveying flight over snow-covered terrain collided with terrain after the pilot's attention was diverted to monitor the GPS. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

A helicopter was conducting an aerial surveying flight over snow-covered terrain. During the survey operation, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter at about 200 feet above ground level while one of the passengers dropped stakes approximately every 800 feet along a property line.

Sequence of Events

The pilot's attention was diverted inside the helicopter to monitor the global positioning system (GPS) when the helicopter collided with terrain. The pilot stated that weather was not a factor in the accident.

Damage

The helicopter impacted level terrain in a level attitude and rolled onto its side. The fuselage and rotor system received substantial damage.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 2003 Hughes 369E accident near Paxson, AK?

A helicopter conducting an aerial surveying flight over snow-covered terrain collided with terrain after the pilot's attention was diverted to monitor the GPS. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 2003 involved a Hughes 369E, registration N500DX, operated by Delta Aviation, at Paxson, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's attention being diverted inside the cockpit to look at the global positioning system.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030212X00206. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.