Arkansas State Police, Arkansas
End of Watch: Thursday, July 24, 1986
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 9 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: July 24, 1986
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Trooper Charles Bassing, Investigator Kevin Brosch of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and Detective James Avant of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department were killed in a helicopter crash at 1 pm.
The three officers were being trained by DEA agents as spotters for a marijuana eradication program. The aircraft was taking off from the Mt. Ida Municipal Airport when it experienced a mechanical failure and crashed into the ground. The helicopter, which had just been refueled, burst into flames. All three officers were burned to death as a result.
Trooper Bassing had served with the Arkansas State Police for 9 months. He is survived by his parents, son, and daughter.