# NTSB FTW91LA141: Cessna 172F, N5524R, Cumby, TX, August 2, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 2, 1991, 17:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Cumby, TX
- Coordinates: 33.12997, -95.829299 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1300&lon=-95.8293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23384
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA141
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23384/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA141

## Probable cause

POWER LOSS DUE TO A BLOCKED FUEL VENT SYSTEM. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise
  - fuel system,vent - blocked(total) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - fence

## Analysis

THIRTY-FOUR MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE, A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPERIENCED DUE TO A BLOCKED FUEL VENT SYSTEM. DURING THE FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A BARBED-WIRE FENCE AND CAME TO REST. THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS A CURRENT MEDICAL CERTIFICATE AND HAD NOT RECEIVED A CURRENT BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW. THE AIRPLANE HAD FLOWN A TOTAL OF FIVE HOURS IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5524R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172F
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17253102
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles D. Wood
- Registered owner: Charles D. Wood
- Last inspection: Unknown, November 26, 1991
- Departed: 59F, SEAGOVILLE, TX
- Destination: SLR, SULFUR SPRINGS, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: expired; flight hours: 309 total, 236 in this make and model, 273 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910802038909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910802038909A), Aug 2, 1991: Cessna 172F, Cumby, TX, Substantial damage. Lost power en route. Struck a fence on forced landing. Pilot beleives fuel vent line was clogged. No verification.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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