Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Alexander Van Baelen, Sophomore Belinda Tello, Senior Katherine Campbell, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Alexander Van Baelen
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Mihhail Berezovski
Abstract
Spatial Disorientation (SD) is a critical issue in aviation safety, contributing to numerous fatal accidents. Pilots experiencing SD lose their ability to perceive position, motion, and altitude, often leading to catastrophic outcomes. This study investigates the risk factors most associated with fatal SD events, focusing on environmental, personnel, and aircraft-related factors. The analysis uses a dataset from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), covering 2,708 fatal accidents from 2008 to 2021. The research examines event characteristics, accident events, and flight phases to identify patterns in SD fatalities. Based on the analyzed data, environmental factors, particularly adverse weather and low visibility, are expected to be significant contributors to SD-related accidents, though pilot experience and knowledge may also play a role. The study aims to inform aviation safety measures and encourage further research on the generalizability of the findings.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Identifying Factors Contributing to Spatial Disorientation (SD) in Fatal Aviation Cases
Spatial Disorientation (SD) is a critical issue in aviation safety, contributing to numerous fatal accidents. Pilots experiencing SD lose their ability to perceive position, motion, and altitude, often leading to catastrophic outcomes. This study investigates the risk factors most associated with fatal SD events, focusing on environmental, personnel, and aircraft-related factors. The analysis uses a dataset from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), covering 2,708 fatal accidents from 2008 to 2021. The research examines event characteristics, accident events, and flight phases to identify patterns in SD fatalities. Based on the analyzed data, environmental factors, particularly adverse weather and low visibility, are expected to be significant contributors to SD-related accidents, though pilot experience and knowledge may also play a role. The study aims to inform aviation safety measures and encourage further research on the generalizability of the findings.