An Overview of Spatial Disorientation as a Factor in Aviation Accidents and Incidents

Spatial disorientation (SD) is among the most common factors contributing to aviation accidents and incidents, but its true prevalence is difficult to establish. This is because many accidents where SD is cited as a likely factor are fatal, and therefore its role cannot be known with any certainty, but also because in the many instances of SD where an accident doesn’t result, it goes unreported. This study provides a comprehensive explanation of the various types of SD in the aviation environment, and suggests strategies for managing the risk associated with SD events. This report provides an informative overview of the three basic types of SD, and the circumstances under which disorientation might be more likely. These are of value to all pilots, and especially those who conduct flights in instrument conditions or at night under visual flight rules. Single-pilot operations, particularly where an autopilot is not available, face additional risks and the need to identify and manage SD events. This report also encourages pilots who have experienced SD episodes to share their experiences with their aviation colleagues, either informally, or through magazines, journals and web-based forums. This will serve to encourage a greater awareness of the incidence of SD, and help reduce the stigma that some pilots might associate with these events. As other studies suggest, SD is likely to be encountered by all pilots during the course of a lifetime’s flying – whether professional or non-professional, experienced or inexperienced. A more open approach to acknowledging and discussing SD and its various causes will make a valuable contribution to a better understanding of this common human factor.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/29971/b20070063.pdf
• Record URL:
  • http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2007/b20070063.aspx
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9781921165528
• Corporate Authors:

  Australian Transport Safety Bureau

  PO Box 967
  Civic Square ACT 2608,   Australia 
• Authors:
  • Newman, David G
• Publication Date: 2007-12-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Aviation Research and Analysis Report
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 44p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pilots; Air transportation crashes; Aviation safety; Crash analysis; Crash causes; Human factors in crashes; Instrument flying; Night; Risk management; Visual flight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aircraft incidents; Spatial disorientation
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01084821
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9781921165528
• Report/Paper Numbers: B2007/0063, Dec2007/DOTARS 50410
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 28 2008 8:13AM