Walter - your 'line' does, of course, hold interest, especially for those inclined towards 'conspiracy theories', and should be considered. HOWEVER, I find it difficult to accept that these guys would have continued at highish speed towards a LZ (even if 'misplaced') WITHOUT the required VMC. Since the LZ was 'up the hill' a bit, surely surface contact would be needed to complete the approach, and therefore is it not logical to assume that they had sight of either the coast or lighthouse with which they could judge the distance to go (to a site with which I understand they were familiar)? Would you (or anyone) reasonably expect intelligent pilots to track towards known high ground at that speed without such clues, possibly even expecting to make an IMC approach to the LZ?
I am in no way familiar with SF heli ops, but is this even remotely possible as a likely option with this kit?