It was quite possible that a suitable landing site was not available on site, and he had to ferry to where he was staging. Which may have been referred to as "base".
CAA reports are not always worded how things actually occurred.
Personally, If I had known about it and there was a place to land on site I would go there. If there was nothing but vines and wires and a small ferry to a site was the only option. I would go there.
What may be "minor" damage would turn into a wrecked machine if you settle it into the vines and wires.
If there was no vibrations in pedals and it wasnt spinning then why settle it into the vines? if your feet are buzzing and your using more pedal then normal then settling it would be the best option.
Tough to decide on the spot though.
End of the day, the pilot may have decided a ferry was the best option considering the terrain he/she was over.