N2908C Plane Crash Near Fremont, Nebraska
On Friday, April 18, 2025, an aircraft accident involving a Cessna 180 Skywagon (N2908C) occurred near Fremont at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time. Emergency services received reports of an aircraft crash in the Platte River south of Fremont, Nebraska. Responders were dispatched to the scene, where they discovered the Cessna 180 Skywagon (N2908C) had gone down with three people on board. According to local authorities, there were no survivors.
The N2908C aircraft had departed from Fremont Municipal Airport (KFET) on a private flight. Witnesses at the scene reported that the aircraft was flying low along the river when it struck high-tension power lines crossing over the water. Part of the tail separated from the plane upon impact with the power lines. The aircraft then made a slow climb, briefly appearing to fly normally, before turning and suddenly descending into the river.
Weather reports from KFET at the time indicated winds from 330 degrees at 13 knots with gusts up to 21 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, and an overcast layer at 6,000 feet. The temperature was approximately 9°C.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the crash involving N2908C. Investigators have been dispatched to the site to conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage, review flight data, and analyze environmental conditions.
N2908C Aircraft Details
The Cessna 180 Skywagon is a rugged, high-wing, single-engine aircraft widely respected for its versatility and performance capabilities.
- Date: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Time: c. 20:12 LT
- Type: Cessna 180 Skywagon
- Registration: N2908C
- Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 30808
- Year of Manufacture: 1954
- Maximum Capacity: 4-6 persons
- Departure airport: Fremont Municipal Airport (KFET)
- Destination airport: TBD
- Phase of Flight: Maneuvering (low-level flight)
- Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
The Cessna 180 Skywagon is recognized in the aviation community for its exceptional utility capabilities, making it popular for bush flying, personal transportation, and recreational flying. It features a Continental engine and fixed landing gear, providing reliable performance in a variety of conditions.Â
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
🚨Aircraft Crash in Dodge County, Nebraska🚨
— aircraftmaintenancengineer (@airmainengineer) April 19, 2025
A non-commercial aircraft crashed into the Platte River south of Fremont in Dodge County, Nebraska. All three occupants’ bodies were recovered from the wreckage.@OnDisasters @AirNavRadar @Emergenza24 pic.twitter.com/jDXnz1X9Wp
N2908C Remembering Those Lost
Daniel Williams
Daniel Williams, 43, of Moundridge, Kansas, was piloting N2908C at the time of the accident. He was a commercial pilot with an instrument rating.
Jeff Bittinger
Jeffrey S. “Jeff” Bittinger (July 9, 1974 – April 18, 2025) was a 50-year-old lifelong resident of Fremont, Nebraska. A 1993 graduate of Fremont High School, Jeff began his working life with Coca-Cola and in local restaurant kitchens before spending 25 years as a self-employed flooring installer (“rugger”). Passionate about the outdoors and community, he belonged to the Elkhorn Valley Rifle Club, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, and the Fremont Airboat Club, and delighted in hunting, fishing, air-boating, and grilling or smoking meat for friends and family—people said he never met a stranger.
Jeff is survived by his children Hunter Bittinger (with partner Payci Owens) and Mallary Bittinger (with partner Evan Peterson); grandson Bowen; his mother Carol Bang and stepfather Ron; siblings Tammy Small, Kelly Neuhaus, and Danny Bittinger Jr.; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father Danny Bittinger Sr., all grandparents, and his uncle Jim Raddatz.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Fremont Alliance Church (16th & Lincoln Ave.), with visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at the same location. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Methodist Women’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and condolences may be shared online through Moser Memorial Chapel.
Randy Amrein
Randy Amrein, 48, of Fremont, Nebraska, was also a passenger on the flight.
Keeping Dakota’s Dreams Alive
“As you all know Randy tragically lost his life on the evening of April 18th, 2025. Dakota has always been a huge part of my boys lives. It’s always been the 3 musketeers. Always Tyeson, Maddox and Dakota. You never saw one without the other. He’s like our 3rd son and we will go to the ends of the earth for him. We want to make sure that Dakota is still able to continue the things that he loves: hockey, golf, fishing, hunting, etc. 100% of donations will be set up in an account in Dakota’s name for his use. Doing this for D. We love you buddy. I will update on services when everything is set in stone.” – Kelly Miller
Statement From Authorities
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the Dodge County community. They have pledged full cooperation with the NTSB and FAA as they conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident involving N2908C.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources. Pilots who operate in areas with similar hazards are encouraged to follow the investigation for valuable safety insights that may emerge.
For those interested in flight tracking data, services like FlightAware may have recorded N2908C’s final flight path. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within approximately 30 days.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB and FAA will investigate multiple factors to determine the cause of the crash:
Pilot’s Background
- Reviewing flight history, training, and certification records
- Assessing the pilot’s health and medical condition prior to the flight
- Checking recent flight activity and proficiency
- Investigating the pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude near the river at dusk
Aircraft Condition
- Inspecting maintenance records
- Evaluating the structural integrity of the aircraft post-crash
- Investigating potential mechanical failures, including engine and flight control systems
Environmental and External Factors
- Reviewing weather conditions at the time of the flight
- Analyzing visibility conditions during evening hours
- Evaluating hazards such as the power lines that were struck
Key Initial Findings
- The aircraft struck power lines while flying along the Platte River
- A portion of the tail separated from the aircraft upon impact with the power lines
- The aircraft briefly continued flying before suddenly turning and descending into the river
- Weather conditions included gusty winds and an overcast ceiling at 6,000 feet
- The accident occurred during evening hours with diminishing light
Any available communications, eyewitness accounts, and video evidence will be used to help reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments.
Contact Ramos Law
If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, Ramos Law’s team of aviation attorneys is here to help. With expertise in personal injury law and aviation-specific cases, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Note: All reported details are preliminary and based on witness reports or publicly available information. Official findings will be determined by the NTSB.
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🎥: Dodge County Sheriffs Office, Fremont Police, Fremont Fire, Fremont Rural, Waterloo and Valley Fire are on scene of a plane crash on the Platte River in Fremont. ABLE-1, airboats and drones all assisted at the scene. pic.twitter.com/AHt2sMfdOu
— Omaha Scanner (@omaha_scanner) April 19, 2025