TINICUM TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) — Police say the pilot killed in fiery helicopter crash in Bucks County early Tuesday morning was a retired state trooper and active member of the fire department.

Authorities say retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Douglas Brigham died when the chopper he was piloting for a private company crashed into a hill near Uhlerstown Hill Road and Everbreeze Drive in the Erwinna section of Tinicum Township. The crash happened at about 6:39 a.m. in a rural area near Van Sant Airport.

Brigham, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene. No injuries were reported on the ground.

Police say Brigham was an active member of the fire department and was the Deputy Director of Emergency Management in Tinicum Twp. He retired from the force about a year-and-a-half ago.

According to Brigham’s mother’s obituary, he was the great-grandson of President Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States. He leaves behind a wife of 18 years.

The FAA are Fire officials are investigating the cause of the crash.