What is a characteristic of a graveyard spiral?

A graveyard spiral is a flight scenario that typically occurs when a pilot becomes disoriented and enters a continuous turn, often while in a descending flight path. A distinctive characteristic of a graveyard spiral is that it can occur in various visibility conditions, including at night or within clouds. The disorientation may lead to a lack of awareness regarding the aircraft's altitude and attitude, causing the pilot to inadvertently increase the bank angle and descend without realizing.

The scenario involving nighttime or cloud conditions illustrates the critical aspect of human factors where situational awareness can diminish due to lack of visual references. This highlights the importance of understanding how various environmental conditions can influence pilot performance and decision-making processes.

The other characteristics listed in the options do not accurately describe the graveyard spiral. For instance, it does not occur only in clear weather, and it typically involves a gradual bank rather than an immediate or steep one. Additionally, during a graveyard spiral, the aircraft does not gain altitude but instead descends due to a continuous turn without proper management. Understanding the conditions and behaviors associated with a graveyard spiral is crucial for pilots to maintain control and spatial orientation, especially in challenging weather or nighttime situations.