| Tail Number / N-Number | N981WU |
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| Model | 172R |
| Year Built | 1998 |
| Manufacturer's Serial Number | 17280555 |
| 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 | I0360 SER |
| Engine Type | Reciprocating |
| Number of Engines | 1 engine |
| Horsepower | 180 hp (134 kW) |
| Type of Registrant | Government |
| Owner Name | EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY |
| Street | COMMONWEALTH 1411 521 LANCASTER AVE |
| City | RICHMOND |
| State | KY |
| Zip Code | 40475 |
| Region | Central |
| County | Madison County |
| Country | US |
| Fractional Ownership | No |
| Airworthiness Classification | Standard |
| Airworthiness Date | 1998-05-22 |
| Certificate Issue Date | 2021-09-09 |
| Last Action Date | 2021-09-09 |
| Expiration Date | 2028-09-30 |
| Status | Valid Registration |
| Mode S Code | 53330342 |
| Mode S Code Hex | ADB0E2 |