The Top 3 Things That Kill Pilots at Night (And How to Avoid Them)

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Flying a single-engine airplane at night is one of the most debated topics in general aviation.

Some pilots say it’s no big deal.
Others won’t do it at all.

In this video, we fly home from San Diego to Los Angeles after midnight — and use that real flight to talk honestly about night flying in GA. Not just what it looks like, but what actually changes after dark, where the real risks come from, and how pilots can make smarter decisions about when night flying is worth it.
Using accident data, real cockpit audio, and personal experience, we break down the top three causes of fatal night GA accidents — and what pilots can do to reduce their exposure to each one.

We cover:
• Why night accidents are more likely to be fatal
• Loss of control and spatial disorientation after dark
• Unintentional flight into IMC at night
• Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and visual illusions
• Why IFR skills matter more at night — even in VFR weather
• How decision-making, currency, and planning change the risk equation
• When night flying is worth it — and when it isn’t
• Night flying isn’t inherently reckless — but it is less forgiving.
• Understanding the reality of the risks lets us manage them better.

For me, night flying is safe enough — when the reward justifies the risk.
How about you?

Thanks to @gofullturbo for the night IFR footage.

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Portions of ATC communication and the flight have been edited. This video is not instructional in any way. I am not a CFI. I am sharing my experience and thoughts about this flight and this should be taken as entertainment only. By sharing mistakes and accomplishments alike, hopefully the aviation community will benefit.