RedactedNarrative: The operator was testing the motor out on the boat due to it spuddering when he had it out the previous night. He was heading up the new river (ne) near the old pillars on the side of the river closest to the glen lyn powerplant. He was near the bank and ran into a tree that had fallen out into the river. 
  
  A portion of a tree branch lodged/impaled itself into his right shoulder and broke off leaving a portion in his shoulder. The operator drove the boat back to the ramp and his son who was onboard, loaded it up. He then towed it home. 
  
  subject then found someone in the campground and realized that he would need medical attention and called 911. He was then transported to the giles co hospital where he was treated and then flown to roanoke hospital. While he was at gch i was able to interview him. Neither of the boats occupants were wearing pfd's. 315 and myself looked at the boat and were unable to find any pfd's or a type iv pfd. The batteries were unhooked and we were also unable to locate a bow light.