Swallow Model C Coupé

The Swallow Model C Coupé is an American-built general-purpose high-wing monoplane of the mid 1930s. 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.

Design and development
The Model C is a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane of conventional configuration with an enclosed cabin and fixed tailwheel undercarriage. Seating is provided for the pilot and one passenger, side-by-side, and the cabin is equipped with dual controls. Power is supplied by a Menasco C-4 air-cooled inverted inline engine, driving a two-bladed propeller.

The fuselage and tail is built from welded steel tube, covered in fabric. The wing is of mixed wood and metal construction, also covered in fabric. Long V-struts braced the wings to the lower longeron of the fuselage.

Operational history
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. On April 9, he departed with it, heading to San Francisco with a single passenger aboard, investment broker E. A. Grumm. Grumm was reportedly interested in arranging finance for Swallow to manufacture the Model C. 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. A sudden downdraft blew the aircraft into a ridge, wrecking it and killing both men instantly.

Following the tragedy, Swallow's new president, Sam Bloomfied, still intended marketing the Model C as late as September 1937.