Operator and Passenger launched the airboat at the Kaw River State Park boat ramp to test drive the boat after repairs were made to the boat motor and boat hull.  Operator was the operator and proceeded upstream (west) on the Kansas River making some adjustments to the hull as they went. Around mile marker 96 Operator decided to turn the boat around and head back towards Kaw River State Park.  At this location of the river the channel was very narrow and not a lot of room to make a wide turn so Operator made a sharp left-hand turn.  The boat slid sideways and starboard side of the boat struck a old fallen bridge girder that was laying in the water.  Striking the metal bridge girder caused major damage to the boats hull.  They got the boat off the water and taken back to the Dynamarine shop and assessed the damage to the boat.  It was discovered that the boat would need a new hull.
Kansas River
Silver Lake                   