Patrolman David M. Smith

David M. Smith

Patrolman David Smith and Patrolman Lowell Howard were killed in an airplane accident while performing an aerial speed enforcement operation above Route 550 (modern-day Route 516) near the entrance to Farmington Lake.

After the operation ended, the officers radioed that they were going to fly over the enforcement zone one last time. As they did so one of the aircraft wheels struck a powerline, causing the Cessna R172E to strike the ground. Both officers were killed instantly.

Patrolman Smith had served with the New Mexico State Police for six years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.