On august 18, 2013, an organized drag boat race was held at the plymouth waterfront on the roanoke river.  During the last race of the day, operator was driving his drag boat heading up river at a speed greater than 100mph.  After crossing the finish line, his drag boat came out of the water and flipped backwards.  The boat landed upside down and was pointed towards the plymouth waterfront.  The operator was thrown clear of the boat before it landed.  He was wearing a type v pfd made for racing and he had a type ii pfd in the boat as well.  The rescue boat picked him up and he was transported to plymouth hospital.  I interviewed operator after he was released.  He stated that the only injuries he had were some bruises on his right foot and both legs.  The vessel sustained damage to the bow (right front); cockpit cover, boat cowling, and engine.  Its cowling came off and sank upon impact with the water.  His steering column was broken as well.
 
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Please note:  there is no mention by the officer of this report as to what caused the boat to come out of the water and flip over backwards.
PLYMOUTH