Tragic Plane Crash Near Ski Resort Claims Four Lives

Tragedy struck near the popular ski resort community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, when a small plane crashed on a mountain, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The incident occurred early Friday morning, around 12:20 a.m., as reported by authorities.

The aircraft involved was an Epic E1000, a six-seat turboprop plane. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), all four occupants perished at the crash site. Routt County coroner Mitch Locke confirmed the fatalities, highlighting the severity of the incident.

The crash took place in a remote area of Emerald Mountain, known for its hiking and biking trails, located just across the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs. Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar provided insights into the challenging terrain where the plane went down, emphasizing the difficult conditions responders faced.

Preliminary information from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear. Both the FAA and the NTSB have launched investigations to determine the cause of this tragic event.

The plane is registered to ALS Aviation LLC, based in Franklin, Tennessee. However, business records from Tennessee do not provide a contact person for the company, leaving questions about the ownership and operation of the aircraft.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation, particularly in mountainous regions where weather and terrain can pose significant challenges. As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the factors that led to this devastating crash.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Tragedy struck near the popular ski resort community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, when a small plane crashed on a mountain, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The incident occurred early Friday morning, around 12:20 a.m., as reported by authorities.

The aircraft involved was an Epic E1000, a six-seat turboprop plane. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), all four occupants perished at the crash site. Routt County coroner Mitch Locke confirmed the fatalities, highlighting the severity of the incident.

The crash took place in a remote area of Emerald Mountain, known for its hiking and biking trails, located just across the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs. Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar provided insights into the challenging terrain where the plane went down, emphasizing the difficult conditions responders faced.

Preliminary information from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear. Both the FAA and the NTSB have launched investigations to determine the cause of this tragic event.

The plane is registered to ALS Aviation LLC, based in Franklin, Tennessee. However, business records from Tennessee do not provide a contact person for the company, leaving questions about the ownership and operation of the aircraft.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation, particularly in mountainous regions where weather and terrain can pose significant challenges. As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the factors that led to this devastating crash.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.