4 killed in small Tennessee plane crash near Denver

The aircraft was registered out of Franklin, Tennessee and crashed near Emerald Mountain early Friday morning.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Four people were killed when a small plane registered out of Franklin, Tennessee crashed near Emerald Mountain outside of Denver, Colorado early Friday morning. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.

Why it matters

Small plane crashes are relatively rare but can have devastating impacts on local communities, especially when multiple lives are lost. This incident raises questions about aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

According to the FAA, the plane involved was an Epic Aircraft E1000 that crashed around 12:20 a.m. near Emerald Mountain. The Rout County Sheriff confirmed that four people were found dead at the scene. Flight data shows the plane took off from Nashville and stopped in Kansas City before continuing to Colorado.

  • The plane crashed around 12:20 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Epic Aircraft E1000

The type of small plane that crashed near Denver, registered out of Franklin, Tennessee.

Rout County Sheriff

The local law enforcement agency that confirmed the four fatalities at the crash site.

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What’s next

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will continue their investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic small plane crash near Denver serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in air travel and the importance of thorough safety protocols and investigations to prevent future accidents.