V1  was in a single vessel accident. 6 persons total were on board V1 and all reported no injuries due to the accident.

     Operator was operating V1 from Katherine''s Landing and cruising up the lake in an effort to reach Cottonwood Cove. Operator reported near the number 12 navigational aid, V1 was cruising at approximately 30 miles per hour. Operator saw “last minute” that a rock was just ahead of V1. 

     Operator stated he began to trim up the engine and cut the power on V1, when V1 struck the rock. V1 struck the top of the rock several times and came to a stop on the Northern side of the rock, resting in the water. Operator stated he noticed a hazard buoy approximately 15 to 20 feet further into the center of the lake than the location of the rock. The rock was described as similar to coral by Operator and passenger. 

     Operator and passenger completed witness statements regarding the accident.

     I traveled to the accident scene to take photographs and obtain a GPS coordinate of the accident scene. The accident scene was found to be North of the number 12 navigational aid, into the Cottonwood Basin of Lake Mohave. A rapid change in water depth occurs as the rock is approached. The resultant rock is large, approximate 40 foot diameter, and situated just below the water level. The majority of the rock''s surface is flat and runs in a parallel fashion to the water surface. From a distance, rippling of the water over the rock can be noticed. A rock hazard navigational aid was situated approximately 30 yards to the West of the rock.

     Factors contributing to this accident were Operator'' failure to look out and failure to observe the rock hazard navigation aid in place. Operator failed to notice the change in water level and other visible hydrology warnings, such as change in water condition and water rippling over the rock. Further, the navigational aid in place was within a close proximity to the rock hazard and Operator failed to give sufficient room between the hazard and his path of travel.

Laughlin                      