Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a student pilot operating a Cessna 152 (registration N24516) departed Runway 18 to practice traffic pattern work and perform touch-and-go landings. Concurrently, an airline transport pilot (ATP) in an Aerospatiale AS-355F-1 helicopter (registration N5796P) departed from the helicopter operations area at the north end of the airport on a passenger flight to a hospital approximately 3 miles to the northwest.
Timeline and Conditions
The control tower had closed earlier at 1800 CDT. Several airport personnel were on duty, including personnel at operator facilities, but those interviewed did not recall hearing a radio advisory from either pilot. The collision occurred at about 1846 CDT, approximately 1.4 miles northwest of the airport at an estimated altitude of 500 to 600 feet.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the helicopter was climbing on a northwest heading while the Cessna was in level flight. One witness thought the Cessna had turned onto a base leg for Runway 12. Just before impact, the Cessna entered an abrupt left climbing turn and rolled out of the turn slightly above and to the right of the helicopter. Subsequently, the two aircraft converged, and the helicopter's main rotor blades struck the left side of the Cessna. Both aircraft then crashed. The helicopter was not observed to take evasive action.
Aftermath
The source does not provide information on injuries, fatalities, or the extent of damage beyond the description of the collision and crash. No probable cause is stated in the source material.