Four people were killed in a small plane crash early Friday on a mountain near the Colorado ski resort community of Steamboat Springs, according to authorities, with investigators working to determine how the crash happened. The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was an Epic E1000, a six-seat turboprop, and that it crashed around 12:20 a.m.
Routt County coroner Mitch Locke said the four people on board died at the scene. Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar said the crash took place in a very remote part of Emerald Mountain, a peak with hiking and biking trails across the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the plane crashed into mountainous terrain in unknown circumstances, based on preliminary information. Both the FAA and the NTSB said they are investigating the crash, with the cause still under review.
Authorities also said the plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC in Franklin, Tennessee. Tennessee business records reviewed by authorities did not list a person to contact about the company.