Eurocopter AS 350-B3, Apache Junction, Ariz., Dec. 14, 2004–The NTSB could not determine the reason for the loss of control the PHI AS 350 experienced on its final approach. The pilot was attempting to land in a parking lot to pick up an accident victim. The helicopter overflew the landing area in right turns, and during its final approach at 100 feet agl it became unstable. It rolled right about 30 degrees, to the left about 30 degrees, then right about 45 degrees. The nose pitched up to the left, then descended while spinning to the left.
The helicopter hit the parking lot in a nose-down attitude on its left side. The pilot said she had slowed to 20 to 25 knots at 100 feet when she felt the nose come up. She corrected left with the cyclic and the helicopter rolled violently to the left. She said the helicopter started to spin and she put the cyclic to the full left to avoid hitting a building. She saw the hydraulic caution light on but did not hear the aural warning.
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