CS22060806

Cass County Sheriff Wm. C. Brueggemann advised that on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at 3:50 p.m.. Cass County 911 received a call from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center regarding a missing plane that may have possibly crashed.  The Coordination Center advised that the plane had been missing since approximately 10:20 a.m..  The original location given was in the area of Hwy. 66 and 120th St.  While responding to the area Communications was given an updated location in the area of 358th St. and McKelvie Rd.  Deputies checked both areas and did not locate anything.  Deputies then received another possible location near 84th St. and McKelvie Rd.  At %:40 p.m. Cass County 911 received a 911 call from a residence 0n East Union Rd.  The call identified himself as the missing pilot and advised that his plane had crashed near the Missouri River.  Cass County Deputies, Nehawka Fire & Rescue, and Cass County Paramedics responded to the location. 

Upon arrival the pilot, Eric J. Stadjuhar (50, of Omaha), was located near the residence.  Stadjuhar had entered the residence to call 911.  Stadjuhar's 1963 Smith Miniplane was located northeast of the residence, near the Missouri River.  Stadjuhar advised deputies that he had experienced engine trouble prior to crashing into the trees on a bluff.  Stadjuhar sustained facial and possible back injuries in the crash.  Stadjuhar was transported by Nehawka Rescue to Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.  Stadjuhar was alone in his plane at the time of the crash.  Incident is under investigation.  Investigation is being handled by the FAA.