| Tail Number / N-Number | N296NW |
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| Model | 172S |
| Year Built | 2011 |
| Manufacturer's Serial Number | 172S11096 |
| 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 | Government |
| Owner Name | NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE |
| Street | 1701 E FRONT ST |
| City | TRAVERSE CITY |
| State | MI |
| Zip Code | 49686-3016 |
| Region | Great Lakes |
| County | Grand Traverse County |
| Country | US |
| Fractional Ownership | No |
| Airworthiness Classification | Standard |
| Airworthiness Date | 2011-05-25 |
| Certificate Issue Date | 2011-06-29 |
| Last Action Date | 2023-01-22 |
| Expiration Date | 2027-06-30 |
| Status | Valid Registration |
| Mode S Code | 50606405 |
| Mode S Code Hex | A30D05 |