What can cause disorientation during a flight?

Disorientation during a flight is primarily caused by a lack of visual references. In particular, when pilots operate in conditions where visual cues are minimal or absent—such as flying in clouds, fog, or at night—they can lose their sense of orientation. This phenomenon, known as spatial disorientation, occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the body’s sensory systems, making it difficult for the pilot to accurately gauge their position and movement in space. Without visual references, a pilot may struggle to maintain an appropriate attitude and direction, leading to potentially dangerous situations.

In contrast, while excessive altitude, usage of electronic devices, and flight path deviations can contribute to distraction or errors in navigation, they don't directly lead to disorientation in the same fundamental way as the lack of visual references. Instead, the absence of reliable visual landmarks is a key factor influencing a pilot’s ability to navigate accurately and maintain their situational awareness.