“A Langley couple nearly lost their lives Sunday morning when they crashed the motorcycle they were riding north of Freeland on Highway 525.Michael Browning, 52, and his wife Laura, 47, were riding on their 1985 Honda GL1200 motorcycle northbound about two miles north of downtown Freeland when Michael, who was driving, lost control of the motorcycle and hit gravel on the highway’s shoulder. According to the Washington State Patrol, the bike went down on its left side, rotated upward, then ejected both riders. The Brownings’ injuries were severe. Michael Browning’s right leg was badly torn in the crash, while Laura Browning sustained compound fractures in her pelvis and leg. EMTs from Fire District 3 and paramedics from Whidbey General Hospital stabilized the couple, then called in a medical evacuation helicopter to transport the Brownings to Harborview Medical Center.Because the Brownings’ injuries were imminently life threatening, the Whidbey General paramedics had the helicopter land at the accident scene. Normally, paramedics transport victims in need of airlift to an approved landing site, such as at South Whidbey High School. A spokeswoman at Harborview reported Monday that Michael Browning underwent surgery to amputate the remainder of his left leg and to treat ankle fractures in his left leg. He was listed in serious condition. Laura Browning was in critical condition after a surgery Sunday to treat her pelvic fractures and other injuries. The Brownings were wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Their motorcycle was totaled in the crash. “