On april 13, 2013 around 14:30pm Operator was traveling down river, main channel, on mountain island lake, when he decided to go full throttle.  Operator stated the boat is capable of speeds of 85 plus mph, and guesses he was doing at least 60 plus mph.  The operator's captain's style chair then broke causing him to fall backwards into the motor.  Operator states he recalls nothing from this time to the time huntersville emergency medical services arrived on scene.  Operator was airlifted to carolina medical center main in charlotte, nc where he was treated for an open head wound requiring 13 staples, 2 broken ribs, a broken jaw requiring 4 metal places and 15 screws, and a dislocated shoulder.  Based on Operator's admission of having consumed some quantity of alcohol and possible may have taken non-prescribed xanax, he gave verbal and written consent for a blood draw.
Upon examination of the vessel, all us coast guard required safety equipment was on board, serviceable, and readily accessible.  The operator's seat base was severely rotten and would have been concealed by the seat's upholstery.  Based on Operator's statement, that he was closer to the right side of the channel traveling down river, it would appear the vessel continued traveling a distance between 94 yards and 394 yards before the vessel ran aground 15 yards up an elevated wooded embankment.  The vessel was not equipped wth a lanyard style kill switch, that in this officer's opinion would have reduced the speed and distance the vessel would have traveled minimizing injuries after the initial fall, and possibly avoided grounding. 
No charges to date have been made, but are pending blood test results.
*******************************************************************************
Please note, accident report will be updated when bac results are received for this accident.
HUNTERSVILLE