| Tail Number / N-Number | N8278X |
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| Model | 172C |
| Year Built | 1961 |
| Manufacturer's Serial Number | 17248778 |
| 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 | CONT MOTOR |
| Engine Model | 0-300 SER |
| Engine Type | Reciprocating |
| Number of Engines | 1 engine |
| Horsepower | 145 hp (108 kW) |
| Average Cruising Speed | 105 miles per hour |
| Type of Registrant | Individual |
| Owner Name | DEPEW GERALD R |
| Street | 423 ROBERTSVILLE RD |
| City | OAK RIDGE |
| State | TN |
| Zip Code | 37830-4841 |
| Region | Central |
| County | Anderson County |
| Country | US |
| Fractional Ownership | No |
| Airworthiness Classification | Standard |
| Airworthiness Date | 1961-10-24 |
| Certificate Issue Date | 1994-10-20 |
| Last Action Date | 2021-08-16 |
| Expiration Date | 2028-09-30 |
| Status | Valid Registration |
| Mode S Code | 52647142 |
| Mode S Code Hex | AB4E62 |