Watching both videos and assuming no mechanical failure it seems like a pretty simple accident to avoid. A vertical take off would have allowed the pilot to pick the wind and get it on his nose before trying to get airspeed. If he didn't have the power to tower out he could have descended back to his original spot and unloaded some bums. And from a spot like that if he didn't have the power to tower out there was probably no way he was going to have the power for the any other type of departure either. If you have any doubts about power in a tight area I never move off my spot until I am above the obstacles...well above.
Just a question for bell drivers... What sort of torque must he have been pulling in that aircraft to get an rpm droop like that ???? I have seen 206s spiked but I've never heard one drop rpm like that ???? 115%, 120% ????? any ideas ???