Topend, my thought was main rotor vortex interference with the tail rotor, or situation 2 that you mentioned. I certainly dont think he was "unprofessional" if he got caught out with LTE. I have put myself in those positions quite a few times as a result of "getting the mission done". fortunately the OH-58D doesnt spin up quite like its B-206 brother. obviously if something broke back there, then none of what im saying matters. just a reminder that low/ slow in a 206 requires very precise heading control and once it lets go, it can spin up quick. and unless you know its LTE based on conditions, it can be hard to diagnose before your on the ground.