Safety concern
The ATSB continues to investigate accidents—many fatal—that involve pilots flying with reduced visual references.
Under visual flight rules (VFR), it is crucial that pilots have sufficient visual reference to see and avoid obstacles. Visual cues are also required to maintain orientation so VFR pilots know which way is up and can maintain control of their aircraft. Visual reference can be reduced by cloud, darkness, or atmospheric conditions such as rain, fog, smoke or haze. Two main risks are associated with flying in limited visibility:
- loss of orientation, leading to loss of control of an aircraft and an uncontrolled flight into terrain
- insufficient visibility to enable a pilot to see and avoid obstacles while remaining under control, known as a controlled flight into terrain.
The same hazards can also apply during night flight because there are often less visual cues at night, even though the visibility may be good.