FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine 
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM- 25/14

Title and Subtitle: Spatial Disorientation in Fatal General Aviation Accidents (2003 – 2021)

Report Date: 3/3/25

Authors: Hannah M. Baumgartner, Jason Sigmon, Austin Ciesielski, Russell Lewis

Abstract: The incidence of spatial disorientation (SD) during flight poses a distinct threat in general aviation (GA) due to the high fatality risk associated with its occurrence. While historical analyses have examined the incidence of SD in GA accidents, little current research exists. This research examines fatal GA accidents associated with SD from 2003 to 2021 and investigates the pilot demographics, flight characteristics, and environment conditions associated with these accidents to identify potential risk factors and compares these findings with previous historical analyses. Overall, 367fatal accident reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that were GA associated with SD we reanalyzed. These accidents showed a strong correlation to pilots with less than 500 hours of flight experience. Additionally, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were likely to involve flights into IMC despite intentions to fly using visual flight rules (VFR). While the number of fatal SD GA accidents has decreased in comparison to previous analyses, the fatality rate associated with SD is still high (94%) and involves high fatality numbers for pilots, passengers, and even ground bystanders. Further, the number of fatal SD GA accidents associated with positive toxicology findings has increased over time, particularly for drugs that pose potentially impairing effects. This research highlights the necessity for continued education and awareness efforts for SD within GA.

Key Words: Spatial disorientation, general aviation, accident analysis, situation awareness, toxicology

No. of Pages: 13