Intamin has always been a leading builder of rides. Not only do they make coasters, but water rides as well. Buena Park, California's Knotts Berry Farm was looking for something a little more thrilling than a standard water ride in the year 2000, and the result was Perilous Plunge. Standing 121 feet tall, it became the tallest water ride in the world, not to mention the steepest drop of any water ride at 75 degrees, which results in a 45 foot tidal wave to soak riders as well as onlookers. Although initially plagued with problems, this water ride ultimately proved to be a hit. After opening, the ride became known for being only 34 feet shy of Niagara Falls in height.

In September 21, 2001, a woman was thrown from the ride as it was taking the plunge to the water. She was treated at the scene and rushed to a hospital. She was later pronounced dead. Investigators say the cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma, and her body size could also have been an issue with the accident. Perilous Plunge can safely restrain people who are 175 pounds and have a waist measurement of 50 inches, at a maximum. The woman’s dimensions were well above that, with a 58 inch waist size and a weight of 262 pounds.

This accident caused the park to add new boats with over-the-shoulder restraints. This caused the splash to be much smaller than in previous times. The new boats also caused problems with the lift chain, which showed stress fractures in an investigation a little while after the new boats were put into operation. A new chain was ordered, but proved to be worse than the previous chain, as it snapped. The problem was fixed and a final chain was ordered and put in place. The ride has been operating normally ever since.
After loading into the boats, unique 4 point harnesses strap riders in. The ride was originally built with lapbars, similar to those found on other Intamin rides such as Cedar Point's Millennium Force, or Six Flags' Superman: Ride of Steel, but due to a rider’s death, these new restraints were installed. Once loaded, the ride starts up the 40 degree lift hill. At the top, the flume performs a turnaround. The track begins to drop. The 120 foot plunge begins as the boat flies under the turnaround track. After the 75 degree drop, the boat makes a huge splash sometimes reaching 45 feet high. Staying dry on this ride is impossible. After the thrilling and wet drop, the ride does a gentle turnaround back to the station.

By pushing the limit for water rides along with their great coasters, Knott’s Berry Farm has proved itself to be an amazing theme park.