This article follows up on a story we covered earlier. You can read the original report here.
Steamboat Springs, CO (February 16, 2026) – Authorities have released the identities of four victims killed in a plane crash near Emerald Mountain last week. The fatal incident occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, February 13, as a private aircraft approached Bob Adams Airport. According to the Routt County Coroner’s Office, the deceased were all from Middle Tennessee and included two local businessmen and two younger relatives.
Key Details
- Location: South-facing side of Emerald Mountain near Howelsen Hill, Steamboat Springs
- Date: Friday, February 13
- Reported: Early morning hours
- Incident Type: Fatal plane crash during airport approach
- Victims: Four confirmed fatalities, now identified
- Aircraft: Epic Aircraft E1000, registered to ALS Aviation LLC of Franklin, TN
What We Know So Far
- The aircraft was en route from Kansas City Downtown Airport to Bob Adams Airport
- The crash occurred near the summit of Emerald Mountain, southeast of the destination airport
- The plane was a 2024 Epic Aircraft E1000 single-engine turboprop
- All four people onboard were killed upon impact, according to the FAA’s preliminary report
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The cause of the crash, including possible mechanical or environmental factors
- Whether the pilot sent a distress call before impact
- Any preliminary findings from the NTSB investigation
- The timeline for releasing a full investigative report
Victim Identities Released
The Routt County Coroner identified the victims as:
- Aaron Stokes, 47 – a Tennessee businessman
- Jakson Stokes, 21 – Aaron’s son
- Colin Stokes, 21 – Aaron’s nephew
- Austin Huskey, 37 – a business associate, also from Tennessee
All four individuals were from Middle Tennessee and were reportedly traveling for a ski trip in the Steamboat Springs area. Their aircraft crashed just minutes before its scheduled arrival.
Local Context
Emerald Mountain, also referred to as Quarry Mountain, overlooks the Howelsen Hill ski area and presents challenges for pilots due to variable terrain and elevation. Mountain approaches to regional airports like Bob Adams can require careful navigation, particularly at night or during winter conditions. Steamboat Springs has seen other aviation incidents in past years tied to similar factors.
What to Do Next
- Avoid the Emerald Mountain area if recovery or investigation teams remain active.
- Monitor updates from the FAA and NTSB for official findings.
- If you knew the victims or witnessed the crash, consider offering information to investigators.
- Keep those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts as the community grieves.
FAQ
Q: What agency leads investigations into fatal plane crashes?
A: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the lead agency for aviation crash investigations, with support from the FAA and local authorities.
Q: What is known about the Epic Aircraft E1000?
A: The E1000 is a high-performance, single-engine turboprop designed for speed and efficiency. It was certified in recent years and is often used for private travel.
Q: How long does a full crash investigation usually take?
A: Preliminary findings are typically released within weeks, but final NTSB reports can take 6–12 months depending on the complexity of the crash.
