SKOWHEGAN -- An Anson man was flown by helicopter to a Bangor hospital Tuesday afternoon after crashing his motorcycle on U.S. Route 201.

Paul Daigle, 47, suffered what was described as a life-threatening head injury, said Chief Michael Emmons of the Skowhegan Police Department. Daigle, who was not wearing a helmet, was flown by a LifeFlight of Maine helicopter to Eastern Maine Medical Center.

He was still being evaluated Tuesday evening, said a nurse supervisor at the hospital.

The crash occurred shortly before 5 p.m. when Daigle, who was driving toward Skowhegan, went to pass another vehicle just north of the Sappi mill.

Daigle was thrown from the bike when his rear breaks locked up, causing the rear tire to skid several feet down the road.

"We're not sure, at this point . . . whether he locked the rear breaks up or there was a mechanical failure," Emmons said.

Daigle was thrown into the southbound lane. His motorcycle came to a rest in the northbound breakdown lane about 100 feet away and burst into flames. Skowhegan firefighters spent several minutes putting out the fire.

Daigle's 2007 Triumph was totaled, Emmons said.

Troopers from the Maine State Police were called to reconstruct the accident. Officer Don Avery of the Skowhegan police is investigating, but initial indications are that speed was a factor, Emmons said. Police also were awaiting results of a blood alcohol test.

"We're going to wait to see what the results are before we know if any charges will be rendered," Emmons said.

Craig Crosby--623-3811 Ext. 433

ccrosby@centralmaine.com