A problem with the clutch is more likely to be a broken spring than anything else, and if you shut it down instantly and replaced the spring, there might not be any other damage, and it is a simple ten minute job with just ordinary hand tools. If you've run it like that for a while, chances are the plastic housing around the clutch is a goner.
This thread shows what may have happened (the Atom edger uses an ordinary Ryobi powerhead)
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...rds=stitch+in+time&Search=true#Post32432
