TheLedger.com reports Winter Haven woman Jessica Wallace was killed on October 9, 2010 when 2 airboats collided in a canal that joins Lake Tiger and Lake Kissimmee. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) investigation revealed an airboat, operated by John Pittas of Lakeland, was headed west toward Lake Tiger while another airboat, operated by Brad Wallace of Winter Have, was coming from the opposite direction. The FWC report states Pittas and Brad Wallace steered away from each other, but the boats slid into one another. The propeller of Pittas’ airboat went through its protective cage system and struck Jessica Wallace on her left side.
Airboat accidents happen often in Florida. Depending on where the accident happens, either Florida State or Federal Maritime law will apply to the claims brought by the decedent’s estate and family. This is important as Florida State and Federal Maritime law provides for different claims, standards or care and even damages.
