Neptune Tanker 09 crashed shortly after takeoff from Stead in Nevada on Labor Day. A left engine fire started the eventual crash killing
Gene Wahlstrom, 61, pilot, Greg Gonsioroski, 41, co-pilot, and Zachary VanderGriend, 25, mechanic.

Gene was a long-time pilot assisting the smokejumper program both as an aviator and leader, then going to Neptune in 1999. The crash is a tragic loss for the firefighting community.

Neptune Aviation is located in Missoula, PO Box 17, Missoula, Montana 59802-9318.