Wow
They must have both have guardian Angels as they are both very lucky to be alive ! I think if that had been my flight its something you relegate to the do not tell category as it would be a total embarrassment to do so!
First undertaking a single engine flight with cloud enroute below 100 feet! Icing in those clouds knowing that the flight would be approaching night time.
On top of a solid overcast with 11000 feet of cloud below and cancelling IFR.
Developing a serious problem and deciding to fly for a further 3 Hrs ?
Letting down over unknown territory and finally letting down blindly on a wing and a prayer and crashing.
Not sure its a lesson in flying but I will not say what its a lesson in
Pace