Night Flying - Engine Failure
It happened to me a little more than a year ago. Enginefailure just after getting established on the localizer, but still about 10DME. Was already on initial approach altitude, which logically I could not maintain (single engine plane). Wx was miserable with snow, gusty and low ceiling. But we were just out of the clouds. I knew that straight ahead was elevated terrain. Everything was just black.
I immediately established best glide, informed atc and turned left by about 90°, because I identified lights from streets and villages there. After a few moments two larger villages and a rather straight road between them, with heavy traffic (rush hour) emerged from the dark around. Luckily there was even an urban train parallel and very close to the road driving along. I decided to "land" between the road and the tracks (which were no longer visible), assuming least obstacles and least potential harm to lives on the ground in that area, while still close enough to the road for possible rescuers.
We made it and both my wife and I were able to disembarque the plane on own forces with very minor injuries. The plane was damaged beyond repair.
My comment on earlier articles in this matter: It's ok to look for the light. But don't plan to land into it, unless you can identify enough to ensure safety, primarily for Lives on ground and secondarily Lives on board. With a complete enginefailure at night, possibly in IMC, I believe it is safe to assume occupants on board will not survive. Nevertheless as long as the vehicle is moving PIC is responsible and obliged to minimize all hazards and especially be considerate towards Lives on the ground. Staying calm untill the plane comes to a complete halt is very helpful in handling situations like this. Just remember: there is lots of time to panic after all is over - so just postpone possible panic attacks!
Landing on a street could be a (good) option only if traffic allows (ie. you are definitely able to touch down between to succeeding cars, without endangering oncoming traffic) and no obstacles like crossing bridges or lights or so are visible.
I'm aware that we were extremely lucky in this one and I'm especially thankfull that nobody gut seriously hurt.