Spring Canyon Fire Air Tanker Accident Fatality 1976

Edwin "Ed" Jenks was killed when his Douglas B-26 air tanker crashed on the Spring Canyon Fire between Grand Junction, Colorado and Moab, Utah on August 8, 1976. Jenks had departed Grand Junction, CO, to perform fire suppression duties on the fire, burning 3000 acres across the state line from Utah into Colorado. During a dry run over the intended line, he entered a blind canyon and was unable to either exit or climb over terrain. Winds at the time were gusting to about 30 mph, with a density altitude of 9700 feet. Jenks' aircraft was in a steep bank when it stalled, impacting terrain. He was the sole pilot.