Four Tennessee residents were killed in a plane crash that occurred outside Denver, CO, just after midnight on February 13. The cause of the accident is currently unknown, although the bodies of all four people on board were successfully recovered.The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, and a preliminary report is due out within a few weeks.

Four Dead in Denver Plane Crash

According to flight records, the plane initially took off from Nashville and stopped in Kansas City, before heading towards Colorado. However, due to currently unknown reasons, the plane crashed near Emerald Mountain, in a mountainous region outside of Denver, CO. All four people on board the plane, including the pilot, died in the crash.

What is Known About the Flight

The plane was an Epic Aircraft E1000, tail number N98FK, a single-engine fixed wing craft capable of seating up to six people. It was registered to ALS Aviation Inc. in Franklin, TN, and was originally manufactured in 2024. The four people on board the plane have been publicly identified as follows: Aaron Stokes, 47; his son Jakson Stokes, 21; his nephew Colin Stokes, 21; and Austin Huskey, 37.

Possible Causes of the Crash

At this point, there is no specific cause for the accident that has been publicly identified, although there are a few possible issues that may have led to the incident. Weather is unlikely to have been a problem, as the weather was calm and the skies were generally clear. This points to the possibility that there was some variety of mechanical problem, such as from a defective part or improper maintenance. It is also possible that the pilot may have made an error, or there was some kind of mistake on the part of air traffic control that led to the crash. However, only a full investigation can determine the cause for sure.

What Happens Now

As part of the investigation, the victims will be autopsied, and their remains will be returned to their loved ones for burial. The site of the plane crash will itself be examined by investigators, and the plane will be checked to determine if any mechanical issues occurred that might have caused the crash. The NTSB expects it will have a full report out within eighteen months, with a preliminary report out within a few weeks.