History of Flight
On October 9, 2017, about 1425 mountain daylight time, a Globe Swift GC-1A airplane, registration N90365, impacted a steel culvert structure following a loss of control during takeoff from runway 36 at Mid Valley Airpark (E98), Los Lunas, New Mexico. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was operated by a private individual under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating from E98 and destined for Las Vegas, Nevada.
The airplane arrived at E98 the day before the accident as a refuel stop after attending a Swift airplane event in Texas. During landing at E98, the airplane ground looped and sustained unknown damage. Over the following day and the accident day, the pilot, who was also a mechanic, completed repairs with assistance from persons at the airport. Repairs included welding to the right main landing gear link assemblies; additional repairs were unknown.
During takeoff from runway 36 (4,332 ft long by 37 ft wide), the airplane veered left of the runway and struck a berm. It then became airborne and impacted a steel culvert structure adjacent to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Personnel Information
According to persons who spoke with the pilot at the Texas event and after the accident, the pilot had minimal flying experience in recent years in the accident airplane. The pilot stated during his hospital stay that he did not indicate any mechanical issues during the accident takeoff.
Aircraft Information
The airplane records were not located during the investigation.
Airport Information
The airport records were not located during the investigation.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the left main landing gear link assemblies were broken. It was not determined if the broken link assemblies resulted from damage sustained during the ground loop the day prior.
Medical and Pathological Information
The pilot died in the hospital on October 26, 2017. An autopsy was performed on October 27, 2017, by the Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The cause of death was listed as pneumonia due to blunt trauma. Toxicology tests were not performed due to lack of available specimens on or near the accident date.