On 8-7-11 I was notified of a PWC accident that occurred on the previous day on Lake McQueeney on 8-6-11.  An individual from the Lake McQueeney Ski Bees advised me that a man had been operating a PWC and struck the ski jump that is located on Lake McQueeney near the Treasure Island bridge.  I took the information given to me and was able to locate the PWC and the operator.  Operator explained to me that he had been operating the PWC and hit a wake and was ejected 75 feet from the ramp.  Operator said he had his lanyard on, and as he was ejected the engine died and the PWC proceeded to strike the ski jump which he says was at least 75 feet from where he exited the PWC.  Operator advised me that he had been wearing a coast guard approved PFD.  I inspected the damage to the PWC Operator was operating, TX 4019 AC.  There was a deep gouge on the keel of the PWC.  Also, there was extensive damage to the steering column, the throttle, and the starboard mirror and starboard side of front compartment area.  I then made contact with a witness to the accident.  Witness was operating his ski boat and pulling an inflatable tube.  He explained that Operator, while operating the PWC had cut across the bow of his boat within 50 foot and just after that had struck the ski jump.  Witness said that as soon as he heard the PWC strike the ramp, he looked up and saw Operator climbing up onto the ramp, and the PWC was wedged up under the ski jump.  Witness's witness statements and the damage to the PWC are inconsistent with Operator's claim that he was 75 feet from the ramp when he exited the PWC.  I made contact again with Operator, and he was issued citations for violating the 50 foot rule on a PWC, and reckless and negligent operation of a PWC.  There was extensive damage done to the ski jump by Operator striking it with the PWC.  

End of Report  8-12-11

McQueeney                     