# NTSB CHI93FA024: Cessna U206F, N206RB, Valentine, NE, November 2, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 1, 1992, 19:00 local (Nov 2, 1992, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Valentine, NE
- Coordinates: 42.869533, -100.550918 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8695&lon=-100.5509&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15575
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93FA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15575/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93FA024

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO AN AREA OF LOW CEILINGS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ALTITUDE SUFFICIENT FOR TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE, THE LOW CEILING AND THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED RISING TERRAIN 31 MI SOUTH OF THE DESTINATION. A WITNESS IN THE VICINITY OF THE ACCIDENT SITE REPORTED SEEING THE AIRPLANE FLYING AT BETWEEN 100-300 FT AGL JUST BELOW THE CLOUDS WITH AN ESTIMATED GROUND VISIBILITY AT ABOUT 1 MI. THE PILOT HAD RECEIVED TWO WEATHER BRIEFINGS AND WAS AWARE OF LOW CEILINGS. HIS REPLY TO A 500-FT OVERCAST WAS '...FIVE HUNDRED UP THERE DOESN'T BOTHER ME BECAUSE AH, I'M, I'M REAL FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N206RB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N206RB-1993-01-08), registration cancelled 1993-01-08, S/N U20602649 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA U206F
- Registry model: [Cessna U206F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-u206f) (registry code 2073333) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: U20602649
- Airframe hours: 1950
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-F 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Stotts, Rex R., doing business as Rex And Marie Stotts Ranch
- Registered owner: Stotts, Rex R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 23, 1992
- Departed: LNK, LINCOLN, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,592 total, 30 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 330° at 11 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,100 ft overcast
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VTN, 30 nm away

## 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 19921101045589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921101045589A), Nov 1, 1992: Cessna U206F, Valentine, NE, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Flew into rising terrain at night in low ceiling and fog. VFR flight was not recommended.

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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