V1 was traveling west, on plane when the operator stated he was going to let one of the 14 year old occupants operate the vessel.  The operator did not power down to allow for the driver exchange, when he released the steering wheel the vessel cut sharply to the right causing the victim to be ejected.  The victim was then struck by the propeller causing injuries to her left arm.  Victim was loaded into V1 and taken to shore where she was then transported by EMS to St. Joe's ER in Hot Springs. 

*Park Rangers gathered information from the occupants and contacted us (AGFC) to conduct the investigation.  While interviewing the operator, approximately 2 hours after the accident, I could smell the odor of intoxicants about his person.  The operator advised he had consumed some alcohol throughout the day, but the Park Rangers advised the operator did not appear to be impaired when they arrived with the victim.
MOUNTAIN PINE                 