On December 29,2010 at approximately 3:30 p.m.,  Operator and his passenger were traveling up Oak River in Plaquemines Parish in a 18 foot Hankos aluminum center console boat powered by a 115 Mercury.  As they approached Engineer's canal on step in the middle of Oak River, a seaplane came out of Engineers canal on their left, traveling on its pontoons.  Operator turned the steering wheel to the right in an attempt to put his vessel on the bank and avoid a collision.  The seaplane's left pontoon impacted the vessel on the port side aft of the center console.  Operator and occupant took cover on the deck of the vessel as the impact occurred.  Operator hit the starboard side gunnel and occupant hit the center console on impact.  Both suffered minor bumps and bruises, which did not need medical attention.  The impact split the port gunnel 39" and bent the aluminum.  black rubber transfer marks are visible at the site of impact.  The steering on the vessel became inoperable after the impact.  Operator had the kill switch lanyard attached to his person.  The lanyard did not disconnect upon impact however the motor killed upon impact.  Neither were wearing PFD's.  No alcohol was on board at the time of the incident.  The water was low at the time of the incident.  At the intersection of Oak River and Engineers there is a high mud bank covered in tall bushes that restrict visibility.
PHOENIX                       