Preliminary information
On January 22, 2026, at 1600 eastern standard time, a Hughes 369D, N105AC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near North Augusta, South Carolina. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 external load flight.
The pilot reported that about 45 minutes into conducting tree trimming operations an engine chips caution light illuminated. The pilot was attempting to return to the landing zone when the engine torque and temperature began to fluctuate, and the helicopter subsequently experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot jettisoned the external load and conducted an autorotation to the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter.
The helicopter was retained for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA097 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 22, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- North Augusta, South Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369
- N-number
- N105AC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1978
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 133 (external load)
- Purpose of flight
- External load
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.