N2908C Aviation Accident 2025-04-18
Accident Summary
Fatal Accident (3) - Private Cessna 180 Skywagon, N2908C, near Fremont, NE, April 18, 2025
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Accident Information
| Approx. Avalanche Location | Aircraft Fatalities | Ground Fatalities | Injured | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41°24'27.68"N, 96°30'58.98"W | 3 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 180 Skywagon | Private | N2908C | 30808 | 1954 |
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YouTube Accident Related Video(s)
ASX Accident Report
On Friday, April 18, 2025, at approximately 8:12 p.m. local time, a privately owned Cessna 180 Skywagon crashed into the Platte River just south of Fremont, Nebraska. The aircraft was occupied by three individuals: Daniel Williams, age 43, of Moundridge, Kansas; Jeff Bittinger, age 50; and Randy Amrein, age 48, both of Fremont. All three occupants were fatally injured, and their bodies were recovered later that night from the submerged wreckage.
The accident occurred during the maneuvering phase of flight, which may include low-altitude operations such as local sightseeing or river following. Witnesses reported observing the aircraft go down near Hormel Park, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. Crews from the Fremont Police Department, Fremont Fire and Rural Fire Departments, Dodge County Sheriff's Office, Waterloo Fire Department, and others responded rapidly. Recovery operations included airboats, drones, and an Omaha Police Department helicopter to locate and retrieve the wreckage and victims.
At the time of the crash, the reported weather at nearby KFET (Fremont Municipal Airport) showed winds from 330 degrees at 13 knots with gusts up to 21 knots, overcast skies at 6,000 feet, and a temperature of approximately 9°C. While preliminary reports do not yet confirm the exact cause of the crash, one source reported that the aircraft may have struck power lines during flight over the river. No distress calls or flight plan origin/destination details were publicly released at the time of reporting.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated a formal investigation into the accident. The site remains under investigation, and both agencies are working to determine the chain of events that led to the crash.
Tracking and Social Media
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