Spatial Disorientation inflight

Spatial Disorientation (SDO) in F-16. The first clip is Type 2 SDO at night which is recognized SDO. This is the most recoverable type. The next clip is Type 3 SDO which is incapacitating regardless if the pilot is aware or not. He is so disorientated that he can't recover. Type 1 is unrecognized SDO. Sometimes, Type 1 can become Type 3. The end result of Type 1 and 3 is most likely Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Spatial disorientation
• F-16
• fighter pilot safety
• flight safety
• unusual attitudes

[acesaero]

The pilot who died from Spatial Disorientation was drunk on fatigue. When he took off for that mission, he was at the fatigue level of .08 BAC. So, flying fatigued can set you up for all types of failure including spatial D.