On 05/22/2010 at approximately 1:30pm operator reported he was operating his modified vee hull jon boat equipped with a 70hp outboard motor and a 28 hp trolling fan assembly in Beckett's Cove Southeast of Point #6 on Lake Shelbyville.  At the time of the accident operator reported he was trolling with the 28 HP Kawasaki trolling fan during a bowfishing tournment on Lake Shelbyville.  operator advised they were approximately 15 feet from the shoreline facing to the west at the time of the accident.

operator was on the bow shooting platform operating the watercraft at the operators position centered on the platform.  Also present on the shooting platform were two shooters.  While trolling operator observed he had taken on water and released the throttle and tiller handle controlling the air fan and stepped from the shooting platform towards the stern of the jonboat to start his bilge pump.  When the tiller was released operator stated the centrifical force caused by the fan rotation caused the fan and shroud to rotate exposing the rear unshrouded area of the fan assembly.  This caused the jonboat to rock at which time operator fell towards the stern.  operator raised his right hand to keep from falling and fell into the idling fan and was subsequently struck on his right fingers by the idling fan blades.  

The subjects signalled another boater who transported operator and Coble to the Bo Woods Ramp.  operator was further transported by Moultrie County Ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, IL where he was treated and later released.  

Initial statements were obtained from subject at the Wolf Creek Boat Ramp.  Further interview was conducted via phone with operator on 05/24/2010.  On 05/24/2010 BAR was mailed to operator.

The trolling fan tiller/throttle was not equipped with a lanyard cut-off switch for the operator.  No mechanical safety features were overridden by the operator.


Findlay, IL                   