between breaking the law because you believed you'd get away with it, and breaking the law because it was the best way to get safely onto a runway.
If the Commander of the aircraft decided he was in a situation where his aircraft was in danger then his decisions over ride any laws which are in place.
Following that he could not be found guilty of breaking such a law because as Captain he has the ultimate authority.
He may have broken laws taking him to the point that requires him to overide laws to save his aircraft but that is different.
Here we are talking about a pilot flying VFR who is forced by weather into IMC and decides his best option is to use skills he has to fly an instrument approach.
That is different to knowingly flying outside the legal boundaries of his licence.
N reg V JAA reg? Pilot is qualified to fly IFR but not legal to do so. I would imagine he could not be found guilty of endangering his aircraft and occupants but would be found guilty on technicalities.
Not sure what would happen with insurance etc.
Pace