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UNO’s Scott Vlasek Offers Expert Analysis on Fatal Platte River Plane Crash

KETV features UNO aviation expert Scott Vlasek, who shares insights into the regulations surrounding the recent fatal crash.

  • published: 2025/05/02
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
A generic Cessna 180 plane flies through blue skies.

Photo: Cessna 180 plane from Shutterstock.

Scott Vlasek, expert and director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Aviation Institute, was featured in a KETV report on the recent fatal plane crash into the Platte River near Fremont.

Vlasek provided analysis on the aircraft’s lack of a transponder, explaining that such equipment isn’t always required in uncontrolled airspace, like that over the Platte River. He also noted that the age of the aircraft, a 71-year-old Cessna 180, does not inherently indicate safety issues, stressing that maintenance practices are far more critical to ensuring aircraft safety.

💡 Why it matters: Vlasek’s analysis provides clarity on common misconceptions about aircraft regulations and safety, emphasizing that age alone is not a determinant for aircraft safety, noting that maintenance practices play a more significant role.

🔍 The big picture: As aviation safety continues to be a critical concern, Vlasek’s insights highlight the importance of proper maintenance and the regulations that govern flight safety.

For more on the plane crash and Vlasek’s expert analysis, read the full article on KETV.

Read the full article on KETV

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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