On 9/8/12 at approx 1844hrs Operator was operating the vessel in the east end of main bay at saguaro lake. Operator was attempting to pull victim on a slalom ski when after being draged for about 15 feet and not getting above the water the boats steering wheel abruptly turned fully to the right and the engine made a clunking noise. He then stated the steering became jammed and could not turn in the other direction. The motor was also revving at different rpm's. The boat made a complete 360 degree revolution clockwise crossing over the ski rope. After crossing the rope the direction of the boat caused the propellor to strike victim in the crease of his right groin and again on the right side of his chest and back. I measured the ski rope and it was 60 feet. Operator did not say he tried to pull back on the throttle or slow down nor did he attempt to pull the emergency lanyard. He said the incident happened suddenly and felt something jammed in the motor causing it to turn to the right quickly. He said he did not see any debris in the water. This was the first time he had operated the boat but said he had a lot of boating experience and had taken a boating class in washington state. 

Immediately after accident, Operator rendered aid to victim while victims wife attempted to drive the boat back to the dock. Operator said they had a difficult time getting the boat to start and stay running. He said the boat would not go over idle speed and that the motor was trimming itself automatically. I examined the boat as it was stored in our secured storage yard. I noted the steering was smooth and had full range of motion in both directions, the throttle had full range of motion in forward and reverse with the neutral safety lockout working properly. Motor trim worked properly. Fuel gauge read approx 1/4 full. The propeller had no dings, nicks, or scratches on it. I spoke to the owner of the boat and he stated that victim had the boat out about 2 months ago and it ran good. Owner did tell me that the boat is difficult to steer at slow speeds because of its flat bottom design. He also stated that since it is a carbuerated motor that if you quickly push the throttle all the way forward it could cause the motor to hesitate or bawg down because too much fuel is being introduced. On 9/11/12 owner called me and said he had spoken to his son victim after the pain medications had worn off. Victim stated that he was trying to slalom ski and the boat wasn't able to pull him up so he let go of the rope and signaled for Operator to pick him up. Operator made a hard right turn and throttled forward causing the occupants to be thrown to the left side of the boat. During the turn victim observed a large amount of the bottom side of the hull to come out of the water. The boat did not decelerate as it closed in on victim. He tried to back paddle away but still had the slalom ski on and he was struck by the propeller. Nothing further.

MESA                          