The scenario you describe typically troubles landing aircraft of unfamiliar first time to the airport pilots that didn’t read the AFD. I’ve not heard of this affecting departing aircraft.
As for getting to town after the airport is closed, the bus stops operation at 17:00 however a call to the bus/taxi service can provide transport. Also staff is there past 17:00 and there is plenty of other options like the PD if you are stranded. Also the closed dark airport is no reason for a pilot to crash especially a professional. There are no obstacles and gradual falling terrain off the west side. I’m going to guess one engine out pulled them around and in even though an instructor should be well accomplished in recovery of this, in the dark, probably near full gross probably caused some disorientation. A instructor out of Santa Monica would have be a frequent visitor to AVX.