JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

Figure 8-6. Ground Search Area Plot
B. Search parties should not disturb aircraft wreckage, except to
assist in the recovery of survivors. Not only does the wreckage pose
dangers, but other mechanisms, such as ejection seats, may be hazardous.
See Chapter 7 for rescue procedures. The position of flight controls,
location of debris, and other factors are important in post-flight
accident analysis. Charts, flight plans, and other documents should be
preserved if threatened with destruction, and if preservation can be
accomplished without danger or undue movement of debris.
C. Be aware that some "lost" persons may not want to be located.
The possibility exists that survivors were engaged in illegal activity
such as drug trafficking, or of intruding upon unlawful activities while
searching.
1. Some remote rural areas have marijuana farms guarded by armed
personnel. To ensure the safety of search personnel,
searchers should be alert for such activity.
2. ELT signals may sometimes be false alarms from aircraft
smuggling illegal drugs. SRUs , should be alert when
approaching aircraft,
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