Criminal Investigator Charles M. Bassing, Arkansas State Police, was killed on July 24, 1986, in a helicopter crash in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. He was 33 years of age at the time of his death.

Criminal Investigator Bassing was participating in a Drug Enforcement Administration Marijuana Eradication Spotter School when the helicopter in which he was riding crashed shortly after taking off on a marijuana eradication mission. Officers James A. Avant and Kevin L. Brosch also died as a result of the crash. The pilot and a DEA special agent were critically injured in the crash.

Criminal Investigator Bassing had been a member of the Arkansas State Police for nine months prior to his death. Criminal Investigator Bassing joined the Arkansas State Police in November 1985 and was immediately assigned to narcotics investigation. He was survived by his parents, Charlie and Doris, and his two children, Angelia Lynn and Joshua Michael.