POULSBO — A motorcyclist was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center with possible critical injuries after a crash on the 26000 block of Big Valley Road, shortly after 10 p.m. June 4.

Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson said the motorcyclist is a male, 33, of Poulsbo. He and another motorcycle rider were traveling southbound on Big Valley Road when the 33-year-old pulled away. He was 100 yards ahead of the second motorcyclist when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road, crossed the center line in the northbound lane, and went onto the shoulder. His motorcycle came to an abrupt stop, ejecting the rider.

“He was wearing a helmet, but it was not a [state-]approved helmet,” Wilson said. “It was a novelty helmet and he didn’t have it strapped, so when the crash occurred it went flying.”

The second motorcyclist rendered first aid and a passerby called 911, Wilson said. A Poulsbo Fire Department engine and medic went to the scene, as did sheriff’s and state patrol officers. The Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency, Wilson said.

The passerby noted that the crash victim was in and out of consciousness, Wilson said. The initial assessment from the state patrol trooper was that the motorcyclist was critically injured. Wilson said the motorcyclist was believed to be in serious condition at Harborview. The motorcyclist was airlifted to Harborview from Raab Park, Wilson said.

Vehicle speed is the suspected cause of the crash, though the investigation was continuing the next day, Wilson said.