| Tail Number / N-Number | N8561U |
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| Model | 172F |
| Year Built | 1964 |
| Manufacturer's Serial Number | 17252461 |
| 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 | SMITH MICHAEL V |
| Street | 41071 BERNIE ST |
| City | FREMONT |
| State | CA |
| Zip Code | 94539-3899 |
| Region | Western-Pacific |
| County | Alameda County |
| Country | US |
| Fractional Ownership | No |
| Airworthiness Classification | Standard |
| Airworthiness Date | 1964-12-29 |
| Certificate Issue Date | 2008-10-03 |
| Last Action Date | 2021-06-01 |
| Expiration Date | 2028-09-30 |
| Status | Valid Registration |
| Mode S Code | 52740060 |
| Mode S Code Hex | ABC030 |