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Engine Failure Prompts Emergency Landing in Soybean Field After Banner Pickup (N67803)

Selbyville, DE, US

On August 25, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N67803) was involved in an aviation accident near Selbyville, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE NUMBER FOUR EXHAUST LOBE ON THE CAMSHAFT AND POOR CONDITION (WEAR) OF THE NUMBER FOUR EXHAUST TAPPET. THE SOYBEAN CROP IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After a banner pickup, the aircraft's engine ran rough, briefly smoothed after mixture adjustment, then failed with vibration and backfire. Emergency landing in a soybean field resulted in a nose-over. Teardown revealed worn camshaft lobe and tappet, and damaged connecting rod.

Incident Overview

The aircraft had just climbed out following a banner pickup when the engine began to run rough. The pilot adjusted the mixture, which temporarily smoothed the engine's operation. Approximately two minutes later, the engine again ran rough, prompting the pilot to release the banner. The engine then developed a severe vibration, backfired, and ceased running. Subsequently, during the emergency landing in a soybean field, the aircraft nosed over.

Engine Examination

A teardown examination of the engine was conducted. The investigation revealed that the #4 exhaust lobe of the camshaft was worn, and the #4 exhaust tappet was found to be in poor condition. Additionally, there was evidence that the #4 connecting rod had been subjected to high temperature.

Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Selbyville, DE?

After a banner pickup, the aircraft's engine ran rough, briefly smoothed after mixture adjustment, then failed with vibration and backfire. Emergency landing in a soybean field resulted in a nose-over. Teardown revealed worn camshaft lobe and tappet, and damaged connecting rod.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Aug 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N67803, at Selbyville, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE NUMBER FOUR EXHAUST LOBE ON THE CAMSHAFT AND POOR CONDITION (WEAR) OF THE NUMBER FOUR EXHAUST TAPPET. THE SOYBEAN CROP IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29050. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.