AUGUSTA $ An Augusta man was taken by helicopter to a Lewiston hospital after crashing his ultralight in a field off Hidden Haven Lane Friday evening.

Jerry Miller, 47, was flown to Central Maine Medical Center after complaining of back pain, said Sgt. Mark Desjardin of the Augusta police. Due to the height from which Miller fell, about 100 feet, rescuers also were concerned about internal injuries, but Miller's injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

"He was conscious and alert," Desjardin said.

Miller and another ultralight pilot had been flying from a nearby runway when Miller apparently suffered engine trouble, Desjardin said.

"We weren't able to get the gist of what went on and why it crashed," he said.

Miller was able to guide the ultralight into a field behind a barn set back from the road. The ultralight is believed to have landed nose-first.

"It hit pretty hard," Desjardin said.