Richard T. Swope (November 21, 1942 – January 8, 2011) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force who served as the Inspector General of the United States Air Force from 1996 until his retirement in 1998. Awards and decorations Personal life General Swope was an avid aviation enthusiast as demonstrated by personally constructing and test flying a Vans Aircraft RV-8 amateur built experimental aircraft of which he was the repairmen. Death After retirement, General Swope suffered an unexpected death while skiing at the Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana on January 8, 2011. References People from Binghamton, New York United States Air Force generals Recipients of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Recipients of the Legion of Merit Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Recipients of the Air Medal Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal 1942 births 2011 deaths Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States)