RedactedNarrative: On January 7, 2017 at approximately 3:30 P.M. I, Officer (FWC) was contacted at my residence by a gentleman in reference to an airboat crash.  He stopped at my residence and stated that his son and a friend had been out riding an airboats on Lake Hatchineha when the friend struck a tree.  He further indicated that the vessel had caught on fire.  I asked if they needed medical assistance and he stated “no”.  I then responded to the scene and notified dispatch of the vessel accident.
  
  Upon arrival I observed an airboat next to a large cypress tree that had significantly burned.  I then made contact with the operator of the vessel.  
  
  Operator advised that he was driving the airboat along the lake edge and was following a friend.  He indicated that he was travelling south at approximately 15 MPH when suddenly the airboat went to the right and he struck a cypress tree.  He further indicated that the impact caused him to be partially ejected and that the airboat rolled over to the port side.  When the airboat rolled onto its side, his right lower leg was pinned underneath.  He indicated that fuel was leaking from the tank and that he heard some “popping” noises.  After struggling for a while he was able to get free from underneath the airboat and pushed the vessel upright.  He then indicated that the battery sparked and ignited a fire.  He indicated that he did not access to a fire extinguisher because of the flames.  Operator indicated that his friend returned in the other airboat and subsequently helped extinguish the fire.
  
  I asked Operator how much experience does he have driving an airboat and he indicated that this was his third time driving an airboat.  I requested to see his boating safety card and he indicated that he does not have one.  He further indicated that he has other experience on other types of vessels.  It should be noted that it was very windy this day.
  
  Based on the damage to the bow of the vessel and marks on the cypress knees and tree, Operator’s statement appeared to be accurate.  I did not observed any damage to the steering cable or rudders for mechanical damage to cause the sudden right turn.  Based on the weather and Operator’s inexperience of operating an airboat are what I believe are the contributing factors of this accident.  No further action was taken at this time.