Grumman-581 wrote:
Depends upon the weather conditions at the time... Day VFR over familiar
territory? Nawh, I wouldn't consider it an emergency... Night VFR over
Houston? Not a big deal, I've landed without a landing light quite a few
times... I guess it depends upon how familiar you are with your aircraft...

What about if you're attempting to navigate through really complicated
airspace? I ask because to the south of these areas (where the
pilot in the OP was attempting to fly) are several military airfields
and loads of special use & restricted airspace. Above is the floor of
DCA's class B. Just wandering south or following the river will get
you out of the ADIZ, but you will still fly into a world of problems.
Flying the plane--which is supposed to be the first priority -- can
quickly take a back seat to just getting on the ground where you can
simply be cuffed rather than be shot down.

It's not just a theoretical discussion for me. I regularly fly in both
the FRZ and ADIZ, and could some day need to make this call. I think
I know the area well enough to be Ok if it's daylight severe clear.
3-5 mi viz would be iffy. Night? Forget it.