On November 3, 2013  V-1 driven by, Operator1 was traveling east in the main airboat trail in Flying Eagle Wildlife Management Area, and V-2 driven by Operator2, was traveling west in the main airboat trail in Flying Eagle WMA .  The area of the trail they were in was just wide enough for one airboat.  The low water condition caused the sides of the trail to be above the sides of the vessel.  V-1, traveling east, approached a curve in the trail, and V2 traveling west, had entered the same curve.  The vegetation is high on both sides of the trail making it hard to see other airboats in the trail.  Both vessels were operating at a speed just fast enough to get through the extremely shallow water without getting stuck..  V-1 stated, he saw V-2 coming around the curve, and tried to get out of the trail, but because of the high sides of the trail he was unable to do so. V-2 stated, when he came around the curve the sun was in his eyes, and when he saw V-1 in the trail he knew they were going to hit, and turned off the magneto's to his engine.  V-2 stated he did this to prevent anyone from being hurt if thrown into the propeller.  The vessel's hit bow to bow and the operator of V-1 was thrown into the front seat and suffered no injuries.  Occupant 1 of V-1 which was sitting next to the operator caught her foot under the front seat and was partially thrown over the front seat.  She suffered a broken left foot.   Occupant 2 of V-1 was thrown onto the bow of V-1 and suffered no injuries.

The operator of V-2 was thrown out of the vessel into the water, and suffered no injuries.  The occupant of V-2 was thrown from the vessel, landed on the ground on the starboard side of the vessel.  She suffered a broken right arm, and cracked ribs.

Both vessel's were able to get underway, drove their vessel's home and then went to Citrus Memorial Hospital for treatment.
INVERNESS