Poor visibility blamed in accident
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
ASHLAND — A Hampden-area resident was injured Wednesday night when he lost control of his snowmobile while traveling with a group of friends between Ashland and Portage.
“Cooper Plaisted, 20, from the Hampden area, was one of nine snowmobiles traveling together on a trail between Ashland and Portage around 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Plaisted’s ski got caught up in the powdered snow alongside the trail and he lost control,” said Kevin Pelkey, investigating officer with the Maine Warden Service.
Plaisted reportedly jumped clear of his sled to avoid some trees but was injured in the process.
“Plaisted indicated he jumped from his sled to keep from hitting some trees. But in doing so, he landed on a stump, striking his abdomen area. He was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center to be checked out, where he was listed in stable condition,” said Pelkey.
Pelkey said Plaisted’s injuries weren’t considered life-threatening. Poor visibility was considered the primary cause of the accident.
“Plaisted was the eighth of nine sleds traveling together. The other machines were kicking up considerable snow, making visibility poor. He was having trouble seeing the trail and just got over a bit too far,” said Pelkey.
Plaisted was wearing a helmet. His Skidoo Renegade sustained minor damage in the accident.
