The Swallow Model C Coupé is an American-built general-purpose high-wing monoplane of the mid 1930s.[1] [2] [3] E. B. Christopher, Swallow Aircraft Company president and designer of the Model C, was killed in the crash of an early example that he was flying.[4]
The Model C is a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane of conventional configuration with an enclosed cabin and fixed tailwheel undercarriage.[1] Seating is provided for the pilot and one passenger, side-by-side, and the cabin is equipped with dual controls.[1] Power is supplied by a Menasco C-4 air-cooled inverted inline engine, driving a two-bladed propeller.[1]
The fuselage and tail is built from welded steel tube, covered in fabric.[1] The wing is of mixed wood and metal construction, also covered in fabric.[1] Long V-struts braced the wings to the lower longeron of the fuselage.[1]
The Model C first flew in January 1936. In April 1937, Swallow company president E. B. Christopher, who had designed the aircraft, exhibited an example at an air show in Los Angeles.[4] On April 9, he departed with it, heading to San Francisco with a single passenger aboard, investment broker E. A. Grumm.[4] Grumm was reportedly interested in arranging finance for Swallow to manufacture the Model C.[4] According to witnesses, the aircraft was struggling against a headwind as it attempted to navigate Tejon Pass at less than 100 ft (30 m) altitude.[4] A sudden downdraft blew the aircraft into a ridge, wrecking it and killing both men instantly.[4]
Following the tragedy, Swallow's new president, Sam Bloomfied, still intended marketing the Model C as late as September 1937.[5]