No fatalities

Loss of Power Due to Blocked Fuel Vent Leads to Forced Landing (N5524R)

Cumby, TX, US

On August 2, 1991, a Cessna 172F (registration N5524R) operated by Charles D. Wood was involved in an aviation accident near Cumby, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A total loss of power due to a blocked fuel vent system, which led to a forced landing where the airplane collided with a barbed-wire fence. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A total loss of power occurred 34 minutes after takeoff due to a blocked fuel vent system, resulting in a forced landing into an open field where the aircraft struck a barbed-wire fence.

What happened

Thirty-four minutes after departure, the pilot experienced a total loss of power. The cause was identified as a blocked fuel vent system. During the subsequent forced landing attempt to an open field, the airplane collided with a barbed-wire fence before coming to rest.

The investigation revealed that the pilot did not possess a current medical certificate and had not received a current biennial flight review. Additionally, records indicated that the airplane had flown a total of only five hours in the last eight months prior to the incident.

The investigation

Examination of the event confirmed that the blocked fuel vent system was the primary mechanical factor contributing to the power loss. No other mechanical failures were cited in the factual narrative provided.

Findings

Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of current medical certification and failure to complete a required biennial flight review. The limited recent flight time for the aircraft may also be relevant context, though the direct cause was the fuel system blockage.

Probable cause

A total loss of power due to a blocked fuel vent system, which led to a forced landing where the airplane collided with a barbed-wire fence. Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of a current medical certificate and failure to receive a current biennial flight review.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Aug 1991 Cessna 172F accident near Cumby, TX?

A total loss of power occurred 34 minutes after takeoff due to a blocked fuel vent system, resulting in a forced landing into an open field where the aircraft struck a barbed-wire fence.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Aug 1991 Cessna 172F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Aug 1991 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N5524R, operated by Charles D. Wood, at Cumby, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A total loss of power due to a blocked fuel vent system, which led to a forced landing where the airplane collided with a barbed-wire fence. Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of a current medical certificate and failure to receive a current biennial flight review.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17867. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.