
Steamboat Springs, United States: A private single-engine aircraft crashed into mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs in the early hours of February 13, killing all four people on board and triggering a federal investigation by U.S. aviation authorities.
The six-seat Epic E1000 turboprop went down at around 12:20 a.m. local time on the south-facing slope of Emerald Mountain, close to Bob Adams Airport, in a remote and heavily wooded area. Emergency responders reached the site hours later and confirmed there were no survivors.
According to preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft was on approach to the airport when it crashed under circumstances that remain under investigation.
The Routt County Coroner’s Office later identified the four victims, all residents of Tennessee:
- Aaron Stokes (47) – Founder of Shop Fix Academy and a prominent figure in the automotive repair industry.
- Jakson Stokes (21) – Son of Aaron Stokes.
- Colin Stokes (21) – Nephew of Aaron Stokes.
- Austin Huskey (37) – CEO of Huskey Building Supply, a family-owned construction materials company.
Authorities confirmed that all four bodies were recovered from the crash site and that next of kin have been notified.
The aircraft, registered to ALS Aviation LLC of Franklin, Tennessee, had departed earlier from Kansas City Downtown Airport and was en route to Steamboat Springs, according to FAA records and flight tracking data.
The Epic E1000 is a high-performance turboprop aircraft capable of carrying up to six passengers. Investigators are focusing on the final moments of the flight, including weather conditions, pilot actions, and aircraft systems.
The NTSB and FAA have launched a full investigation into the crash. Wreckage has been secured and will be transported for further examination, including engine and avionics analysis.
A preliminary report is expected within several weeks, while a final probable cause determination could take several months.


















