V2 was following V1 just off the starboard stern.  Both vessels had been fishing together and were in the process of relocating to a different spot when the collision occured.  V1 started slowing when V2 struck V1 in the starboard stern area then continued up and over V1 exiting out the port side of V1.  Both occupants of V1 were struck by V2.  Operator of V1 remained in the vessel and victim was half in and half out of the vessel.  V1 Operator tried to pull the victim back into the vessel but could not.  V2 went back to assist.  Victim was finally pulled back into the vessel, but could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the Fairview boat ramp by the deputy coroner.  V2 operator stated they were traveling behind V1 approximately 30 feet behind and 10 feet off the starboard side, just outside the wake of V1 going about 30mph.  V2 operator also stated his hot foot throttle had hung up resulting in not being able to shut down in time to avoid the collision.

The hot foot throttle system was inspected by a certified marine mechanic after the collision.  He found excess belt dust under the cowling of the motor.  The belt on top of V2's motor was found to be in very bad condition.  The belt had started to separate and had turned inside out on top of the motor.  With the excess belt dust and parts of the belt covering the motor; it could have resulted in the throttle hanging up.  The mechanic found the throttle system itself in good working condition and couldn't get it to hang up.  Upon inspecting the hot foot pedal, the toe bar had a lighter spot on it.  V2 operator stated he had been driving with his foot on top of the toe bar.  This light spot found on top of the toe bar would have been consistant with the operator placing his foot in that location to apply pressure to the throttle.  A hot foot has the toe bar for the operator to place his foot under it so the throttle can be pulled back in case it sticks.  If the throttle did stick, the V2 operator would have had a hard time reducing the throttle in time to avoid a collision the way he stated he was operating it.
BULL SHOALS                   