NTSB releases preliminary report about Colorado plane crash that killed Middle Tennessee businessmen

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Officials have shared new details about the circumstances surrounding a plane crash in Colorado earlier this month that resulted in the deaths of four people from Middle Tennessee, including a leader in the automotive repair industry and the CEO of a building supply company. According to the National Transportation Safety Safety Board, an Epic E1000 -- a six-seat turboprop plane -- crashed near the ski resort community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, at approximately 12:19 a.m. MST on Feb. 13, killing the pilot and three passengers on board. The Associated Press reported that Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar said the plane crashed in a very remote part of Emerald Mountain, which is just across the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs. Using on-board data collected at the crash site, officials determined plane left John C. Tune Airport (JWN) in Nashville shortly before 7:15 p.m. CST on Feb. 12, heading for Steamboat Springs Airport/Bob Adams Field (SBS). The plane stopped in Kansas City Downtown Airport-Wheeler Field (MKC) in Missouri to refuel at approximately 8:53 p.m. and departed shortly after 11 p.m. A section of the NTSB's preliminary report is included below: According to Federal Aviation Administration airman and operator records, the pilot had a commercial pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land with an instrument rating. In addition, he was issued a first-class medical certificate on Oct. 22, 2025, and on the medical application, he reported 1,150 total flight hours, officials said. At the time of the crash, the NTSB said there were two "Notice to Airmen" issued for SBS, with one listing the runway end identifier lights for runway 32 unusable while the other listing the precision approach path indicator lights for that runway unusable. Officials said they retained the wreckage for further examination. Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke told News 2 the victims of the crash were 47-year-old Aaron Stokes; his son, 21-year-old Jakson Stokes; his nephew, 21-year-old Colin Stokes; and 37-year-old Austin Huskey. According to LinkedIn, Aaron founded EuroFix, a car repair company with five locations across Middle Tennessee, as well as Shop Fix Academy, an organization that helps auto repair shop owners strengthen their businesses and families. In addition, this entrepreneur — who reportedly lived in Franklin with his wife and four children — hosted a local radio show, “Fixin’ Cars with Aaron Stokes.” Meanwhile, Huskey Building Supply — a family-owned and operated company since 1945 that’s based in Franklin but also has locations in Murfreesboro and Mt. Juliet — posted a statement about the death of its CEO, saying, in part, “Austin was a fearless leader, a gracious man, a devoted father and husband, and a faithful follower of Christ. As part of the third-generation ownership of Huskey Building Supply, Austin Huskey continued his family’s legacy through generosity and ingenuity. His faithful work saw Huskey continue to thrive in the midst of nationwide economic uncertainty. He was recognized as an LBM Journal 40 under 40 recipient in 2025, highlighting the value Austin brought to Huskey and the building supply industry.” The NTSB noted in its report that the information is preliminary and subject to change.