These CFIT reports are really a frustrating read. I'm in no way pointing fingers and trying to be disrespectful in any way to the PIC, but come on. Flying an approach that's N/A at night? Cancelling the IFR FP because you "think" you can make it visually because you see the lights of the town and are apparently apprehensive about a potential hold? Like they say, it's always a serious of errors that lead to accident, not just one. In this case, the PIC and his two pax are extremely lucky to be alive. Let this be a lesson to us all. If that little voice in your head is giving you the slightest inkling that somethings not right, GET OUT OF THERE! Set personal minimums that YOU are comfortable with, stay proficient, and don't deviate from the published procedure or MAP. Ever.