Plain English Meaning

A false feeling that the aircraft has flipped over backward, caused by sudden changes in pitch. It happens because the inner ear cannot tell the difference between certain real motions and the illusion, even though the aircraft is actually flying normally.

Full Definition

A vestibular spatial disorientation illusion in which an abrupt change from a climb to straight-and-level flight, or a steep nose-down attitude change, creates the false sensation that the aircraft is tumbling backward. The pilot's instinctive response is to push forward on the controls, which can place the aircraft in a nose-low attitude and worsen the disorientation.

Context Anchor

Encountered in , , and discussions, especially when about false sensations that can occur without a outside .