Spatial disorientation — Cessna 172 near Archerfield

Summary

A student pilot conducting a solo navigation exercise entered an area of low cloud and reduced visibility at night, resulting in spatial disorientation. The aircraft entered an unintended descent before the student regained visual contact with the ground at approximately 800 ft AGL and climbed. The student landed safely at Archerfield. The aircraft's attitude indicator showed an approximate 45-degree bank during the event.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01Investigation is ongoing.
2. 02The weather briefing obtained by the student did not include updated METARs for the training area.
3. 03Brisbane Aviation College has suspended solo night cross-country exercises pending a review of weather assessment procedures.
4. 04ATSB is examining student preparation and CFI supervision procedures.