Under what conditions does the Black Hole Effect typically occur?

The Black Hole Effect typically occurs when flying over a dark area, such as a poorly lit or unlit runway. This phenomenon arises because pilots are often trained to rely on visual references to gauge their altitude and approach during landing. When transitioning from a well-lit area to a dark landscape, especially at night, the lack of visible cues can create an optical illusion, making the runway appear more distant and leading to an incorrect perception of altitude.

In such situations, pilots might not perceive that they are descending too quickly or may misjudge their landing approach, potentially resulting in a lower-than-expected touchdown. This effect emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper approach speeds and configurations during landing, particularly when visibility is compromised by lighting conditions.

Other options do not inherently contribute to the Black Hole Effect. For instance, flying over a well-lit runway would provide clear visual cues, and clear weather conditions would generally enhance visibility, reducing the chance of experiencing this effect. Similarly, the use of autopilot does not directly relate to the conditions causing the Black Hole Effect, as pilot awareness in visual approaches is crucial regardless of autopilot status.