Overview
An aircraft operating an illegal smuggling flight from Colombia, carrying a load of cocaine, attempted to land in a rural area near Fort White. During the landing attempt, the airplane struck trees and crashed in an isolated zone. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a collision with trees during a low pass after the pilot misjudged altitude.
Contributing Factors
Investigators reported several contributing factors: physical impairment, pilot fatigue, the presence of cocaine paste on board, and toxicology results showing cocaine and methaqualone in the pilot's blood and urine.