Originally Posted by
gulliBell
Isn't it the case that once they have exposed themselves to low altitude mode the onus is entirely on the PIC to see and avoid obstacles? If so, and not-withstanding all those other factors which might get pinned on the operator or elsewhere, the core issue does seem to me the aircraft was operating in conditions which did not allow them to see and avoid obstacles in the flight path.
The operative presumption was that there are no obstacles at 200 over the sea. Because if there are obstacles, if you presume they are there, and its dark, then you should be higher than any obstacle anywheres near your path. If you are using the radar to look for something you concede might be out there on a simple approach to a fuel area, then you shouldn't be at 200 feet. You are right that the choice of 200 feet is entirely the pilot's. What is in question is how she came to believe that was a safe choice. Because 500 feet was surely a safe choice.