RedactedNarrative: On June 19, 2018 at approximately 5:00 pm, a boating incident occurred on Lake Norman.  This incident only involved one operator and one vessel.  The vessel exploded while the operator was attempting to start the motor.  
  
  Operator is the owner and operator of a 2005 Honda Aqua Track F-12x (V1).  Operator launched (V1) off his private PWC lift at his residence on June 19, 2018 at approximately 5:00 pm.  He boarded the vessel and was attempting to start the motor.  His son was observing him from the back porch of their residence.  V1 operator's son yelled down to the operator asking what was wrong due to the difficulty that (V1) operator was having starting the motor.  
  
  At about that same time, (V1) suddenly exploded ejecting the operator into the air causing him to land in the water face down.  He was knocked unconscious from the impact of the explosion.  V1 operator's son ran down to the water and pulled V1 operator out of the water.  After a brief period, V1 operator regained consciousness.  First responders arrived on scene and transported V1 operator to Lake Norman Regional Medical Hospital.  
  
  There he was treated for a dislocated hip and the doctors attempted to stabilize him.  They were having trouble getting V1 operator stabilized.  The medical staff then air lifted V1 operator to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte because they thought he had internal bleeding.  V1 operator was released from the hospital several days after the incident.  
  
  V1 operator's injuries consisted of fractured orbital socket, dislocated hip, lacerations to his face, arms, legs, feet along with extensive bruising.  He also suffered a concussion from the explosion.  An approved PFD was in use at the time of the incident and alcohol was not a contributing factor.
  
  After reviewing all the evidence that has been gathered along with witness statements, I have determined that the integrity of the fuel tank became compromised which allowed gas vapors to escape into the hull of the vessel.  When operator was attempting to start the motor, a spark was created causing the gas vapors to ignite causing the vessel to explode.
    
  After doing some research, I discovered that there was a recall by Honda specifically for the same make and model as V1. (2005 Honda Aqua Trax F-12x).  The USGC also has a recall listing for this make and model of PWC.  Witness stated that there was a very small flame put out by fire department when they arrived.  It was equivalent to the flame created by a cigarette lighter.  
    
  The subjects were the original owners of the PWC and still lived at the original address at the time of their purchase.  Both Operator and his wife stated that they have the PWC serviced and winterized each year by the dealership where the PWC was purchased.  They also stated that they never received a recall notice from Honda, nor were they made aware of it from the dealership where is was purchased and serviced.
  
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