Retired OHP Trooper, Pilot Killed In Alabama Plane Crash

A former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who flew for two governors died in a plane crash at Alabama's Huntsville International Airport Wednesday afternoon.

The retired trooper was identified as 60-year-old OHP Lt. Robin Smith. Officials say Smith was a pilot for governors David Boren and George Nigh.

Smith was president of Jet Contrail located in Clermont, Florida.  He was from Yukon, Oklahoma.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Kathleen Bergen says a Westwind II aircraft was taking off when it caught fire and crashed next to the runway at about 2:20 p.m. Smith and two other people were on board. 

Bergen was unsure of the plane's destination.

Madison County Deputy Coroner David Young identified the other two men as 57-year-old William Christopher II of Center Point, Alabama and 67-year-old Kenneth Lynn Rousseau of Harpersville, Alabama.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Lt. Robin Smith graduated from the 28th OHP Academy in 1971.  He was assigned to Troop O, Aircraft Division and retired as an OHP aircraft pilot in 1991. 

The OHP says funeral arrangements are pending.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.