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Casualties unknown

Airplane Hits Rising Terrain 31 Miles South of Destination (N206RB)

Valentine, NE, US

On November 2, 1992, a Cessna U206F (registration N206RB) operated by Stotts, Rex R. was involved in an aviation accident near Valentine, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO AN AREA OF LOW CEILINGS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ALTITUDE SUFFICIENT FOR TERRAIN CLEARANCE. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane impacted rising terrain 31 miles south of its destination. A witness observed the aircraft flying at 100-300 ft AGL with visibility about 1 mile. The pilot had received two weather briefings and was aware of low ceilings.

Accident Overview

The airplane impacted rising terrain approximately 31 miles south of its intended destination. The exact location of the accident was not specified beyond its proximity to the destination airport.

Witness Account

A witness near the accident site reported seeing the airplane flying at an altitude between 100 and 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft was observed just below the cloud layer. The witness estimated the ground visibility at approximately 1 mile at the time of the sighting.

Pilot Weather Briefing

Before departure, the pilot had obtained two weather briefings and was aware of low ceilings in the area. During one of these briefings, when informed of a 500-foot overcast, the pilot replied, "...five hundred up there doesn't bother me because ah, I'm, I'm real familiar with the area." This statement indicated the pilot's confidence in navigating the region despite the low ceiling.

The accident investigation did not specify any additional details about the aircraft, its occupants, or the environmental conditions beyond the witness report and the pilot's weather awareness.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 1992 Cessna U206F accident near Valentine, NE?

An airplane impacted rising terrain 31 miles south of its destination. A witness observed the aircraft flying at 100-300 ft AGL with visibility about 1 mile. The pilot had received two weather briefings and was aware of low ceilings.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 1992 involved a Cessna U206F, registration N206RB, operated by Stotts, Rex R., at Valentine, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16005. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.