Casualties unknown

Swift GC-1B Forced Landing Following Engine Roughness (N80561)

Upland, CA, US

On February 16, 1986, a Globe SWIFT GC-1B (registration N80561) was involved in an aviation accident near Upland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Foreign object debris in the vapor return line from the fuel pump to the fuel cell. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On February 16, 1986, a Swift GC-1B (N80561) experienced engine roughness shortly after takeoff, leading to a forced landing off-airport in rough terrain. Inspection found FOD in the fuel vapor return line.

Incident Overview

On February 16, 1986, at 1515 Pacific Standard Time, a Swift GC-1B aircraft, registration N80561, was involved in an accident following a forced landing. The aircraft collided with terrain during the landing event.

Sequence of Events

After taking off, when the aircraft reached approximately 400 feet above ground level, the engine began to run rough. The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude. Due to traffic on the runway, an on-airport landing was not possible. The pilot conducted a forced landing off the airport in rough terrain.

Inspection Findings

Post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed foreign object debris (FOD) in the vapor return line from the fuel pump to the fuel cell.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was foreign object debris in the vapor return line from the fuel pump to the fuel cell.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 1986 Globe SWIFT GC-1B accident near Upland, CA?

On February 16, 1986, a Swift GC-1B (N80561) experienced engine roughness shortly after takeoff, leading to a forced landing off-airport in rough terrain. Inspection found FOD in the fuel vapor return line.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1986 involved a Globe SWIFT GC-1B, registration N80561, at Upland, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Foreign object debris in the vapor return line from the fuel pump to the fuel cell.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32891. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.