Accident Overview
On April 18, 2025, about 2011 central daylight time, a Cessna 180, N2908C, was substantially damaged when it collided with high-tension powerlines and subsequently crashed into a river near Fremont, Nebraska. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The airplane had arrived at Fremont Municipal Airport (FET) from Moundridge, Kansas. Friends had come to the airport to pick up the pilot and his wife. After arriving, the pilot and friends decided to take a quick flight, while the pilot's wife waited at the airport. She told him not to fly the river because it was getting too dark.
About 2005, the airplane departed FET. About 2008, one of the passengers texted a friend who lived on the river that they were flying up the river. About 2010, the other passenger sent a Snapchat to his son. The accident occurred about a minute later.
Witness Account
A witness reported that her attention was caught by motion, and she turned to see an airplane flying low and to the west up the river. She observed the airplane collide with the high-tension powerlines over the river. A portion of the tail separated from the airplane and fell into the river. The airplane then slowly climbed and initially appeared to fly away without issue. However, the airplane then turned and descended suddenly until it crashed into the river with a large splash. Another witness recorded video of the airplane making the turn and descent into the water; the airplane engine could be heard running in the video.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured.