Pittsburg, New Hampshire – A snowmobile operator sustained injuries after losing control on a trail in Pittsburg, prompting a coordinated rescue effort involving multiple agencies and a reminder from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on safe OHRV operation.14Conservation Officers are investigating the incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Brandon Roe, 38, of Hanson, Massachusetts, was riding his snowmobile on Primary Trail 146 in Pittsburg around 1:00 p.m. when the crash happened. According to details released by New Hampshire Fish and Game, Roe lost control while navigating a downhill left-hand turn. He was thrown from the machine over a steep embankment, resulting in injuries.
Roe’s riding companions and bystanders provided immediate aid at the scene. Poor cell service in the remote area complicated communication, leading the group to activate a satellite personal locator beacon (PLB) to alert first responders. Additionally, one companion rode to a nearby business to make a 911 call, supplying more precise details about the location and severity of the crash.
The response was swift and multi-agency. Pittsburg Fire Department deployed rescue snowmobiles to reach the remote site. The 45th Parallel EMS, Pittsburg Police Department, and a Conservation Officer from New Hampshire Fish and Game also mobilized. Given reports of serious injuries, responders requested a DHART helicopter.
Roe was first extracted by Pittsburg Fire Department’s snowmobiles and brought to an ambulance staged roadside. From there, he was transported by 45th Parallel EMS ambulance to Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook. Subsequently, the DHART helicopter airlifted him to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for advanced evaluation and treatment.
The investigation by Conservation Officers is ongoing. Preliminary findings point to inexperience and excessive speed relative to trail conditions as contributing factors. Contact Conservation Officer Austin Valladares at 603-788-4850 for further information.
New Hampshire Fish and Game emphasized the importance of prudent operation in their statement. “Conservation Officers would like to use this incident to remind snowmobile operators to always operate in a reasonable and prudent manner for existing trail conditions and with regard for actual and potential hazards,” the department stated.
This event underscores the challenges of outdoor activities in northern New Hampshire’s rugged terrain, particularly during winter when trails like Primary Trail 146 attract riders. Pittsburg is a popular destination for snowmobiling due to its extensive trail network maintained under state oversight. Incidents like this highlight the critical role of safety equipment such as PLBs, especially in areas with limited cell coverage.
The coordinated response demonstrates effective inter-agency cooperation, with fire, EMS, police, and Fish and Game working seamlessly. The use of specialized rescue snowmobiles was essential for accessing the embankment crash site, while the escalation to air medical transport ensured timely care for Roe’s injuries.
For riders, the reminder is timely as the 2026 snowmobile season progresses. Factors such as trail conditions, turns, slopes, and personal skill levels must be constantly assessed. Riding groups provide mutual support, as seen when companions rendered aid and facilitated rescue communications.
Conservation Officer Austin Valladares, reachable at 603-788-4850, is leading the probe into potential violations or additional causes. This crash serves as a cautionary tale amid ongoing winter recreation in the region.
For more information, visit New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.