approach hazards

Traffic Pattern Oct 28, 2026

The Black Hole Approach, the Controlled Flight Into Terrain Accident That Repeats in NTSB Reports, and the Instrument Habit That Has to Be Non-Negotiable After Dark

The black hole approach is a documented night visual illusion that makes pilots feel too high on final - leading to controlled flight into terrain on clear, calm nights.

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Traffic Pattern Sep 16, 2026

The Black Hole Approach, the Night Runway Over Dark Terrain, and the Illusion That Has Been Pulling Pilots Short of the Threshold for Decades

The black hole approach is a deadly visual illusion that makes pilots believe they're on glidepath while flying dangerously low over dark, featureless terrain at night.

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