By Clara Wilson
A tragic aviation accident occurred in the Colorado mountains on Friday, February 13, 2026. A Steamboat Springs plane crash claimed the lives of four individuals during a final approach to Bob Adams Field. The small aircraft struck the south-facing side of Emerald Mountain shortly after midnight. Local emergency responders rushed to the rugged terrain following reports of a loud impact. However, authorities eventually confirmed that all four occupants died at the scene. The victims were traveling from Tennessee and were nearing their final destination when the incident happened. Consequently, this event has deeply affected the local aviation community and residents of Routt County.
The Routt County Sheriff’s Office received the initial distress calls at approximately 12:20 a.m. local time. Search and rescue teams immediately began a difficult ascent of Emerald Mountain to locate the wreckage. Emerald Mountain stands at an elevation of roughly 8,252 feet and overlooks the city of Steamboat Springs. Because the crash happened late at night, visibility remained a significant challenge for the first responders. Moreover, the steep terrain required specialized equipment to access the impact zone. By early Friday morning, deputies successfully recovered the remains of the four individuals.
Details of the Epic E1000 Flight Path
The aircraft involved in the Steamboat Springs plane crash was an Epic E1000. This model is a high-end, six-seat single-engine turboprop known for its speed and performance. Specifically, the plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC, a company based in Franklin, Tennessee. This type of aircraft usually handles high-altitude flights with ease. However, mountain environments present unique challenges even for advanced turboprop engines. Investigators are now looking into the mechanical history of this specific airframe.
The flight originally originated in Nashville, Tennessee, earlier on Thursday. The pilot made a scheduled stop in Kansas City, Missouri, to refuel and check weather conditions. Afterward, the aircraft continued its journey toward western Colorado. The final leg of the trip appeared normal until the plane began its descent into the Steamboat Springs area. Bob Adams Field, also known as Steamboat Springs Airport, is located in a valley surrounded by high peaks. Consequently, pilots must maintain strict adherence to approach plates and altitude requirements. The impact occurred on the south-facing slope of the mountain during these final critical minutes of flight.
Victims Identified in Emerald Mountain Tragedy
Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke officially identified the four victims on Friday afternoon. The deceased include Aaron Stokes, 47; Jackson Stokes, 21; Colin Stokes, 21; and Austin Huskey, 37. Coroner Locke noted that at least three of the victims were members of the same family. This realization has added a layer of profound grief to the investigation. The Stokes family lived in the Franklin area near Nashville. Friends and neighbors have started sharing tributes as the news of the Steamboat Springs plane crash reaches their home state.
Search and rescue teams worked through the morning hours to bring the victims down from the mountain. The recovery process involved deputies from the Routt County Sheriff’s Office and local volunteers. They had to navigate thick timber and snowy conditions to reach the debris field. The coroner’s office confirmed that all four men died instantly upon impact. Consequently, no survivors were found at the site. The bodies were transported to a local facility for formal processing. Family members in Tennessee were notified shortly after the identifications were finalized.
NTSB Investigation into the Steamboat Springs Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in the investigation. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials are also assisting with the technical review of the site. Currently, the cause of the Steamboat Springs plane crash remains unknown. NTSB investigators arrived in Colorado on Friday afternoon to begin their field work. They will focus on three primary areas: the pilot’s history, the aircraft’s mechanical condition, and the operating environment. A preliminary report regarding the accident is expected in approximately 30 days.
Investigators are specifically interested in the weather conditions at the time of the 12:20 a.m. impact. While the region is accustomed to winter weather, nighttime mountain flying requires extreme precision. Furthermore, the NTSB will analyze the plane’s avionics and engine components for any signs of failure. The wreckage will eventually be moved to a secure facility for a more detailed examination. Authorities have currently restricted all public access to the crash site on Emerald Mountain. This ensures that the debris field remains undisturbed during the initial evidence collection phase.
Local Perspective: Navigating the Hazards of Mountain Aviation
Based on recent aviation safety trends in the Rocky Mountains, the Steamboat Springs Airport presents significant technical challenges for visiting pilots. Specifically, Bob Adams Field (KCPN) features a high field elevation of 6,882 feet and sits in a narrow valley. Pilots often refer to the “Steamboat approach” as demanding because it requires a steep descent over Emerald Mountain while managing shifting wind patterns. At night, these geographical features become even more hazardous because of the lack of visual ground references.
Consequently, any slight deviation in altitude or airspeed during the final turn toward the runway can lead to “controlled flight into terrain” (CFIT). This phenomenon occurs when a functioning aircraft is flown into the ground or a mountain without the pilot’s awareness. In 2026, the aviation community continues to debate if small mountain airports need more advanced lighting or automated guidance systems. The NTSB investigation will likely determine if the Emerald Mountain impact was a result of these environmental pressures.
Public Appeal and Future Safety Reports
The NTSB is currently asking for public assistance to help piece together the final moments of the flight. Anyone who witnessed the aircraft or heard the impact is encouraged to contact the agency. Specifically, they are looking for relevant surveillance video from homes or businesses near Emerald Mountain. Individuals can submit tips and digital files to witness@ntsb.gov. This information can be vital for establishing the plane’s trajectory and engine sounds before the crash.
The community of Steamboat Springs remains in a state of mourning following the loss of the four visitors. Local pilots emphasize that safety is always the priority in mountain flying. However, even with the best technology, the elements can be unforgiving. WFB News will continue to monitor the investigation as federal officials release new data. The final report, which provides the probable cause of the accident, may take up to a year to complete. For now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families in Tennessee.
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