<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1986-A, LTD'S BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS CONTAINED IN ITS FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                           1,504
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   41,492
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                42,996
<PP&E>                                       3,653,662
<DEPRECIATION>                             (3,505,507)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 191,231
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           72,992
<BONDS>                                              0
<COMMON>                                             0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     114,093
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   191,231
<SALES>                                         42,899
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                42,906
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   22,226<F1>
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 810
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 12,225
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             12,225
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    12,225
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
<FN>
<F1>Includes lease operating expenses, production taxes, and depreciation,
depletion and amortization expense. Excludes general and administrative and
interest expense.
</FN>