somatogravic illusion

The cause of the accident was pilot error, with spatial disorientation due to somatogravic illusion a major factor.

Somatogravic illusions are caused by linear accelerations.

Somatogravic illusions, on the other hand, occur as a result of linear accelerations stimulating the otolith organs.

Called somatogravic illusion, and known among pilots as elevator illusion, the effect is believed to have been responsible for at least two other crashes in the last two years, the safety board said.

This was probably due to the effects of oculogravic and somatogravic illusions combined with both pilots being focussed on the platform and not monitoring the flight instruments.