The head-down illusion is a vestibular illusion in which a sudden linear deceleration during level flight, such as from air braking, lowering flaps or reducing engine power, creates a false sensation that the nose of the aircraft is pitching downward. A pilot experiencing the illusion may respond by pitching the nose up, and if the illusion occurs during a low-speed final approach this unnecessary correction can cause the aircraft to stall. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Sources
Wikipedia: Sensory Illusions in Aviation
Vestibular/somatogravic, Head-down sectionQuote, Vestibular/somatogravic, Head-down section
The head-down illusion involves a sudden linear deceleration (air braking, lowering flaps, decreasing engine power) during level flight where the pilot perceives the illusion that the nose of the aircraft is pitching down.
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