| Tail Number / N-Number | N261J |
| Manufacturer | TEXTRON AVIATION INC |
| Model | 172S |
| Year Built | 2020 |
| Manufacturer's Serial Number | 172S12575 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Land |
| Builder Certification | Type Certificated |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats |
| Weight Class | CLASS 1 (Up to 12,499 pounds gross take off weight) |
| Engine Manufacturer | LYCOMING |
| Engine Model | IO-360-L2A |
| Engine Type | Reciprocating |
| Number of Engines | 1 engine |
| Horsepower | 180 hp (134 kW) |
| Type of Registrant | Corporation |
| Owner Name | BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY |
| Street | C/O SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY TEC 545 N AIRPORT RD |
| City | MURPHYSBORO |
| State | IL |
| Zip Code | 62966-6291 |
| Region | Great Lakes |
| County | Jackson County |
| Country | US |
| Fractional Ownership | No |
| Airworthiness Classification | Standard |
| Airworthiness Date | 2020-11-02 |
| Certificate Issue Date | 2021-01-16 |
| Last Action Date | 2021-01-16 |
| Expiration Date | 2028-01-31 |
| Status | Valid Registration |
| Mode S Code | 50501574 |
| Mode S Code Hex | A2837C |