"O. Sami Saydjari" wrote in message ...

So, my question becomes, at what point do you abort the attempt to go
visual and transition to an IFR approach.

I know you're referring to a navaid-based approach, but to be clear, a
visual approach is also an IFR approach.

Just trying
to see how the transition from "going for visual" to "err, no can
do...need an instrument" happens.

You're going at it backwards.

You don't take a visual approach until you're sure you can find the
airport visually.

(Similarly, you don't cancel IFR to land at an uncontrolled field
until you're sure you can land in VMC.)

It's very unusual, and not a good idea, to accept or request a visual
approach if you're not already sure you can make it.