Four Killed in Plane Crash Near Steamboat Springs, Colo.

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by Michael Levenson

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A small plane crashed early Friday morning near Steamboat Springs, Colo., in a remote mountain area south of the popular ski resort. The Epic E1000 turboprop, which can carry up to six passengers, went down at approximately 12:20 a.m. under unknown circumstances. All four individuals on board were killed in the accident, according to authorities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, focusing on three key areas: the pilot, aircraft condition, and environmental factors. The crash occurred in a challenging and sparsely populated region known as Emerald Mountain. Rescue operations began shortly after 12:40 a.m., with Routt County search-and-rescue teams mobilizing a team of eight members to reach the site. Due to the remote location, rescuers used snowmobiles and tracked vehicles to navigate the difficult terrain. By early morning, officials from the Routt County sheriff’s office, Steamboat Springs police, and the county coroner had arrived at the crash site to recover the bodies. The plane was registered to ALS Aviation, a dissolved limited liability company based in Franklin, Tenn. Flight data revealed that the aircraft departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, made a stop in Kansas City, and was heading towards Steamboat Springs when it crashed. The NTSB has yet to release details about the pilot or passengers, though local officials indicated that at least three of the victims may have been part of the same family. This incident raises questions about aviation safety and highlights the challenges of operating in remote mountainous regions. While investigators work to determine the cause, the crash serves as a reminder of the risks associated with small-plane travel and the importance of thorough pre-flight inspections and environmental assessments. The loss of four lives underscores the gravity of such incidents and the need for continued vigil

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/13/2026