When Pilots Do This, People Die

It’s called spatial disorientation, a condition whereby pilots lose their bearings relative to the horizon—which way is up or down, etc.? Pilots think they can feel which direction is correct, but they can be deceived. And when that happens, fatalities can result.  It was spatial disorientation, e.g., that was the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant.

Feelings are not a reliable guide to reality. Emotions can deceive, and if you’re not careful, your emotions can lead you into disaster.

Here’s what to do to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.