On 07-31-2011 at approx. 1638 hrs operator was leaving the rock quarry, traveling South, on El Dorado Reservoir when he struck a tree that is under the surface of the water.  This tree sits in the middle of the channel that vessels take to get into the rock quarry.  Under normal water levels this trees is approx 3'' under the surface of the water.  With the dry conditions and the low water level this tree is only approx 6" under the surface of the water.  Operator struck his outdrive unit breaking it free from the vessel with the exception of his bent drive line and a few cables.  All safety equipment was on the vessel and all PFD''s were either on or out and accessible.  Operator was towed into Shady Creek Marina by another vessel where NRO meet him and conducted a safety inspection and gathered all the information to complete the accident report.  Operator boat was placed on its trailer after it was towed into the Marina.
El Dorado                     