A bronco accident at the Molalla Buckeroo rodeo grounds brought a Life Flight Network helicopter to town Saturday, but the victim is expected to make a full recovery.

Mark Wheeler, past president of the Molalla Buckeroo Association and current vice president, suffered a head injury during a Willamette Valley Junior Rodeo Association bronc event Saturday evening.

MBA President Michelle Mills said Monday that Wheeler remained in intensive care for observation, but that no bones were broken and tests showed no signs of permanent damage. Mills said the accident happened during the first event of the night, after the first rider had completed his bronco ride.

"Mark came to assist as a pick-up man to help get the rider off the bronc," Mills said.

The bronco ran into Wheeler's horse, causing the horse to fall down and roll on top of Wheeler, who remained on his horse's back.

The accident happened during the Ma and Pa Rodeo, the final junior rodeo event of the year. Adults -- often the parents of the junior rodeo participants -- compete in the event, which serves as a fundraiser for Willamette Valley Junior Rodeo Association. Wheeler was not competing at the time of the accident, but was scheduled to participate later in the evening.

Mills said Wheeler sustained injuries to the left side of his face and was knocked out, but regained consciousness before he was transported off the grounds.

The Buckeroo Association always employs a medic on site during rodeo events, Mills said, so Wheeler received immediate care.

Molalla Fire Department transported the victim to Molalla High School, where a Life Flight Network helicopter landed and took him to an area hospital, MFD Lt. Mike Penunuri said.