Deceased was involved in a sanctioned hydroplane race that has been going on for 33 years.  The accident occurred during the last run.  Victim was extremely experienced.  He was approaching the finish line when the bow of his boat lifted and then went airborne.  The victim and the vessel separated and came back to the surface of the pond with the boat making contact with the victim.  The vessel and motor had been modified by the victim for competitive racing.  The vessel did pass the race inspectors examination prior to the operator setting out for race.  All systems were found to be in operational condition even though there was extensive damage to the vessel.  It is concluded that excess trim had been applied in order to maximize the vessels speed resulting in too great an amount of air to build below the vessel and further resulting in vessel to leave the waters surface and go airborne with the operator being ejected in the process.  Operator error was cause of this accident.
Taunton                       