RedactedNarrative: Witness (survivor) described a calm water and weather during fishing trip. The wind began to gust and the operator decided it was time to get off the lake. Operator had little experience on the small, home make airboat. While trying to leave, Operator could not steer or control the boat in the gusting wind and waves. The airboat began to swamp. Survivor had PFD and left the vessel. 
  
  Victim, Operator, entered water clutching the fuel container as a flotation device. He did not retrieve his PFD for unknown reasons. Survivor made it to shore. Victim struggled and eventually let go of gas container in an attempt to swim ashore. He flailed around and survivor went back and got him. Victim was moving but never spoke. Survivor pulled victim to shore where he became unconscious. CPR was initiated but victim died. Victim smelled heavily of gasoline from the gasoline container he used to float. Gasoline fumes may have contributed to his ability to swim and lose consciousness but unknown.
  