Authorities have identified the pilot killed in Thursday morning’s plane crash as Robert Anthony Downey, 55, of Lawton, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and respected member of the aviation community.

Downey was flying a Cessna Skyhawk owned by the Lawton Metropolitan Area Airport Authority when it went down in a field near Southeast 120th Street and Burk Road in northern Cotton County. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was transported to the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office in Oklahoma City for autopsy.

Airport Authority Chairman Allan Hampton expressed deep sorrow at the loss, calling Downey “part of our aviation community” and noting the impact of his passing on colleagues, friends, and family. Airport Director Barbara McNally described Downey as an excellent pilot who regularly used the aircraft for student instruction and proficiency training.

The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Early flight data reviewed by aviation experts indicates the aircraft’s speed fluctuated significantly before impact, though the plane’s altitude remained steady. The aircraft, built in 1971, was primarily used for training purposes.

Downey was a highly accomplished aviator, holding an Airline Transport Pilot certification—the highest level of pilot credential in the U.S.—and ratings for both single- and multi-engine planes. Beyond aviation, he was a retired Air Force officer, Air Force Academy graduate, and Afghanistan veteran.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on August 29 at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin.