Somatogravic illusion is thought to have contributed to the fatal crash of a Cessna 310 on Bathurst Island in February 2011.
The twin-engined aircraft was departing Bathurst Island for Darwin at night when it descended into trees shortly after take-off. The pilot, the only person on board, was fatally injured.
The ATSB did not identify any technical issues with the aircraft that may have contributed to the crash. The location of the wreckage, together with the dark night conditions and the relatively light load of the aircraft suggested
that it was likely that the pilot was influenced by the effects of somatogravic illusion after take-off.
Somatogravic illusion is a powerful human physiological illusion that produces an upward-pitching sensation under acceleration, accompanied by limited visual references.
Any pilot can be effected, and in the accident investigation report the ATSB highlights the importance of pilots being aware conditions conducive to the illusion and the importance of understanding how to can manage the hazard. This includes strict vigilance in the use of the artificial horizon as the primary source of aircraft pitch information, and correct instrument scanning to verify the attitude and performance of the aircraft.
The full report is on the ATSB website.