Operator of V1 began pulling a 4 person tube with the victim and 2 other passengers in what was described as a zig zag pattern. During one of the turns to the right all 3 riders fell off the tube. V1 then continued to circle and struck the victim in the head and left arm with the prop. The operator stated that "the steering wheel 'jerked violently' to the right causing V1 to turn very sharp". The other two riders were not injured. They saw the victim floating face down in the water and they rolled him over and could see a large cut in the top of the victim's head. The operator and passenger 3 loaded the victim into V1 and began CPR. Once at Bull Shoals Lake boat dock, victim was taken to an ambulance where he was pronounced dead. 

Over the next several weeks an investigation was conducted on V1's steering which included taking V1 to 2 different marine mechanics for inspection and conducting tests on the water by operating V1 at different speeds and different trim settings trying to replicate the statement given by the operator. After these tests and inspections no defects in V1's steering have been found.
OZARK ISLAND