On September 16, 2024, a mid-air collision occurred near the Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV) involving a Globe Swift GC-1B, registration N78074, and a Textron Aviation Cessna T206H Station Air, registration N844CP. The collision resulted in 1 fatal injury for the pilot of the Swift and no injuries for the two occupants of the Cessna.
What happened
On the morning of the accident, the pilot of the N844CP Cessna was conducting an instructional flight, performing a check-ride to demonstrate fundamental maneuvers. After completing an RNAV 34 instrument approach and a missed approach, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for a short-field landing on Runway 34. Following a touch-and-go landing, the Cessna climbed through 5,300 feet MSL and transitioned to the crosswind leg, intending to reach the traffic pattern altitude of 5,700 feet MSL.
At approximately 09:46:37, the Cessna pilot heard a radio call from another aircraft stating they were on a 45-degree intercept for the downwind leg of Runway 34. While the crew of the Cessna scanned for traffic, they were unable to locate the other aircraft via visual or ADS-B means. At approximately 5,400 feet MSL, the Cessna impacted the N780．074 Swift. The impact was so severe that the Cessna pilot initially believed the engine or propeller had suffered a catastrophic failure, as the windscreen became covered in oil and the nose cowling was pinned against the windscreen. The instructor pilot in the Cessna assumed flight controls and performed an emergency landing on Runway 12.
The pilot of the Swift had been planning to move the aircraft from Pinenut Airport (NV55) to KMEV to avoid an incoming storm. The Swift was not equipped with ADS-B technology. Surveillance footage from airport security and a vehicle dashcam captured the moments leading up to the collision, showing the Swift crossing US-395 at a higher altitude than the Cessna just prior to the impact. Following the collision, the Swift's wreckage was seen falling vertically and erupting in flames.
The investigation
Investigators examined the debris field, which stretched over 1,025 feet and contained intermingled parts from both aircraft. The main wreckage of the Swift was located 1 nm from the approach end of Runway 16. The aircraft had sustained significant fire damage, particularly to the cockpit and inboard wings. The propeller remained attached and undamaged, but the tail section was missing several components, including the rudder and horizontal stabilizer.
Examination of the Cessna revealed that one propeller blade had separated from the hub. The engine had shifted to the right due to broken mounts. Additionally, the Swift's tailwheel and portions of its mounting were found lodged underneath the Cessna's engine. The Cessna's front-right engine mount had broken away from the airframe and was found near the tailwheel, having punctured the aircraft's tunnel.