Considering the type of work the K-Max did and being single engine it is not surprising there were crashes.
Logging, fire fighting, construction work....all low altitude operations with lots of hovering at max power, and rough loading of forces on the airframe especially during logging work....as compared to standard utility helicopter accident rates....no surprise the K-Max suffered losses.
Think not....look at Huey Helicopters in logging operations....they crashed with great frequency.