United States Customs was following a Lockheed L-18 that was loaded with a cargo of marijuana. Trying to obscure the operation by landing at a small airport on a foggy night, the smugglers missed the approach and went around to try again. On the second approach they dropped below tree-top level and crashed. The pilot may have noticed the Customs helicopter in pursuit and been distracted.

A local pilot decided to help with the search for survivors. He and his son took-off and made two passes at the crash site. On the second pass the pilot, who had a blood alcohol level of 0.11%, was distracted by the fire and reflected light, and struck nearby trees. His son survived.