Originally Posted by
rotornut
I understand from float plane pilots that it's very difficult to accurately judge your height when landing on water, more so when it's dark.
Yes, calm water and poor lighting conditions make it extremely difficult to accurately judge your height above water. I'd venture to say that the reflections of the city lights didn't help. Voice of experience here, no catastrophes, just been in those conditions a few times and know that even if you *think* you know your height above water, you really don't. Like TylerMonkey said, you hold an attitude and rate of descent that you know will be safe when you hit the water and wait for that to happen. I imagine that would be tough to do in an autorotation.