What is the primary risk associated with the Black Hole Effect?

The primary risk associated with the Black Hole Effect is the illusion of height during approach. This phenomenon occurs when a pilot is approaching an airport with limited visual references, such as at night or in poor weather conditions. The lack of ground lights or visual cues can create a deceptive visual environment where the pilot misjudges the aircraft's altitude and position.

When descending toward a dark or featureless area, pilots may perceive the horizon or other reference points incorrectly, leading them to believe they are higher than they actually are. This misjudgment can result in either a dangerously low approach or an inadvertent descent into the terrain. Understanding this effect and maintaining situational awareness, particularly during landing, is crucial for preventing accidents associated with misjudged altitude.

Other factors, while relevant in aviation, do not directly relate to the specific visual illusion caused by the Black Hole Effect. This differentiation highlights the importance of situational awareness and visual perception in flight operations, particularly in conditions that limit visibility.