Injured Hiker In Lincoln Rescued By National Guard Helicopter From Remote Bondcliff Trail

LINCOLN, NH — A man from Plymouth was airlifted from the Bondcliff Trail in Lincoln on Thursday after suffering a leg injury that left him unable to continue hiking, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Conservation officers were notified just before noon on May 28 after the solo hiker sent a text message to NH 911 reporting that he needed help.

With coordinates provided by 911, rescuers determined the hiker was almost 7.5 miles from the trailhead, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. Because of the remote location and to avoid what the agency described as a strenuous carryout, the New Hampshire Army National Guard was contacted to assist with a helicopter extraction.

By 1 p.m., an initial New Hampshire Army National Guard Lakota helicopter had departed from Concord to locate the hiker, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. A Blackhawk helicopter followed and was assigned to hoist the hiker from the trail once he was found.

The Lakota crew located the hiker by 1:30 p.m., according to the agency. Shortly after, the Blackhawk arrived and lowered two crew members to the injured hiker. They moved him to an opening in the trees a short distance away, New Hampshire Fish and Game reported.

By 2:50 p.m., the hiker and crew were hoisted back into the Blackhawk, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. The helicopter then flew to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where the hiker was evaluated and treated for his injury.

New Hampshire Fish and Game identified the hiker as Scott Bailey, 66, of Plymouth. The agency said Bailey had spent the previous night at the Guyot Shelter and slipped and fell while descending a steep stretch of trail on his way out.

The agency described Bailey as a well-prepared hiker.

New Hampshire Fish and Game reminded hikers to carry the 10 essential items for a trek: a map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain and wind jackets and pants, and a knife.

Additional hiking safety information is available at hikeSafe.com.