The 'basic' rules of VFR say that an aircraft at or below whichever is the higher of 3,000' AMSL and 1,000' AGL must be operated in sight of ground or water. How can that be done in inky blackness? Landing lights don't help much in illuminating the land or water during climb. (Not commenting on the specific circumstances of the flight the subject of this thread. I have no insight into those circumstances.)