Mobster Charlie Bombay, an old foe of McGarrett's, escapes from prison, thanks to a bribed guard. But Bombay's confederates tip Five-O to Bombay's whereabouts before Charlie can flee Hawaii. McGarrett arrests Bombay in Hilo, thanks to the tip and wants to take the criminal back to prison personally. But the small police airplane containing McGarrett and Bombay crashes because of turbulent weather. The pilot is killed in the crash and Bombay overpowers an injured McGarrett.
—Bill Koenig