On August 31, 2013 at approximately 1630hrs, I responded to an air boat accident that occurred in area 2A  at approximately 1555Hrs.  I arrived on scene at 1728hrs and was informed by BSO that there was an air boat accident involving one air boat with three people on board.  All three subjects sustained some type of injury, one of which required transport the local Hospital.

A good Samaritan stated that they had seen V-1 come down the waterway and head into the side of the canal bank.  He stated that the air boat hit the bank with it's side and flipped over causing the three passengers to be ejected.  The three occupants were transported back to the area 2 boat ramp where they were evaluated by EMS.  The operator was taken to Coral Springs Medical due to having aviation gas spill onto him during the accident as well as feeling pain in his neck and back.  Occupant Occupant2 had a 2 inch laceration above his left eye which was treated by use of a first aid kit.  Occupant2 refused medical treatment from EMS.  Occupant3 received a black eye (right) and refused medical treatment from EMS.

I interviewed Operator at approximately 2050Hrs at Coral Springs Medical.  Operator stated that he was traveling down the Area 2 boat ramp Canal  and was planning on returning to the boat ramp due the inclement weather approaching.  He stated as he made his way to the opening of the canal, he  saw another air boat  from a distance which made him nervous.  Operator stated that he had limited time operating air boats as well as navigating the area.  Due to those factors, he panicked when he saw the other vessel heading towards the entrance.  Operator, being a novice air boater, took his foot off the accelerator causing the air boat to lose steerage and slide into the bank of the canal.  The air boat hit broadside and flipped causing the three occupants to be ejected.  Operator stated that he knows that it was his fault and that the other vessel had no involvement in the accident. 

Operator was cited for Caress Operation of a Vessel.
UNINCORPORATED