RedactedNarrative: V1 was traveling north on a narrow airboat trail in Flying Eagle. V2 was traveling south on same trail when both vessels encountered a sharp curve in the trail which was wooded on one side and had tall cattails on other. V1 and V2 met at the curve and V2 took immediate action to avoid collision by turning to the left towards the non wooded side of the trail. 
  
  V1 operator panicked and created an off throttle steerage situation and was unable to take action to avoid collision. The collision occurred with both vessels operating at about 10-15 mph. Operator of V2 also noted that he was unable to see the airboat flag of V1 over the cattails and a subsequent inspection found that the flag of V1 was much too low and did not meet statute requirements. 
  
  Operator of V1 was ejected from the operator seat and made contact with V1 brush guard resulting in 5 cracked ribs and was transported to hospital and subsequently released. 
  