The Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A researcher was uninjured after his snowmobile plunged into a crevasse and he fell about 80 feet, Alaska State Troopers said.
Tom Douglas, 41, of Fairbanks landed on a ledge after his snowmobile was wedged into a narrow space 30 feet above him.
The mishap occurred Thursday as Douglas led a group of snowmobilers who were conducting ice and snow tests around Jarvis Glacier in Alaska’s interior.
The other members of the group determined Douglas was unhurt and left to seek help.
The Rescue Coordination Center dispatched Alaska Air National Guard crews, including a helicopter team that lowered a harness and climbing tools to Douglas.
Rescuers believe the snowmobiler escaped injury because the crevasse was narrow and slowed his fall, Guard spokesman Maj. Guy Hayes said.