BOATING ACCIDENT : IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF STEERING CONNECTOR
The boat owner was cruising at full throttle on a large lake, when the boat suddenly went into a tight spin. The owner was thrown from the boat, and died from the injuries incurred due to the accident.
The steering connector separated from the engine steering arm, allowing the engine to turn completely to one side, forcing the boat into a high speed spin.
The inspection found the connector bolt had backed out of the threaded hole and capturing lock nut. The bolt head left multiple grooves (center inset) and impact marks (blue boxes) as it backed out.
From the manufacturer's installation guide, the connector bolt is threaded into the engine steering arm but not tightened down. The capturing lock nut is then threaded down onto the arm. Finally, while holding the bolt still, the lock nut is heavily torqued, creating a "jam" nut. Under normal operating conditions, the connector bolt will not back out of the assembly.
The improper installation of the connector bolt assembly lead directly to the loss of steering control, and ejection of the owner.
Images from Bombadier Motor Corp. of America, Steering Connector Kit #175125, July 2001
