At about 2006 Central time, the helicopter was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during cruise flight. The flight instructor, passenger-receiving-instruction, and one additional passenger were fatally injured. Night visual conditions prevailed.
Initial accident notification came when the USAF Rescue Coordination Center received a 406 MHz ELT signal assigned to the accident helicopter. The accident site was subsequently located with the assistance of airborne and ground units, at 0824 the following morning. The wreckage was located in a sparsely populated area comprised of hilly terrain. The closest weather observing station reported visibility of 10 miles and scattered clouds at 1900 feet agl.
