BOULDER CITY, Nev., Feb. 28 [1959] — (UPI) — Bill Stead, last year’s winningest hydroplane pilot, suffered serious burns today when his Maverick exploded while traveling at 150 miles an hour on Lake Mead.

Stead was pulled from the burning hydroplane before it sank and taken by crewmen to Boulder City Hospital. Attendants said both arms were badly burned but his condition is "fairly good."

According to witnesses, a new supercharger recently installed on the Maverick blew up and spewed gasoline over Stead before catching fire.

The Maverick is owned by millionaire cattleman William Wagoner of Phoenix, Ariz.

Stead, owner-operator of a 160-acre ranch near Reno was putting the Maverick through her paces in preparation for the forthcoming hydroplane season.

Last year the Maverick was rated by racing authorities a one of the seven best in the nation.

(Reprinted from The Detroit News, March 1, 1959)

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