What happened
On January 22, 2026, at approximately 1600 eastern standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, registration N105AC, was performing tree trimming operations as a Part 133 external load flight near North Augusta, South Carolina.
About 45 minutes into the mission, the pilot observed an engine chips caution light. While attempting to return to the landing zone, the pilot noted fluctuations in engine torque and temperature. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power. The pilot successfully jettisoned the external load and performed an autorotation to the ground.
The accident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, though the helicopter sustained substantial damage. Weather conditions at the time were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 340 degrees at 05 knots.