[xone]

So is it something a pilot would do if they were losing consciousness or experiencing vertigo?

No, it would have occurred before. He wouldn't have lost consciousness because of the environment, and the onset of vertigo comes so fast, you don't know you are gone, until it is too late. Once you know, you get sick quick. If he got it, he probably experienced 'unusual attitudes' and without training had no answer. Usually ends up stalling then entering a spin that is mercifully short because of the altitude loss/min is huge.

[defconw]

Thanks. I should have asked would the passengers experience same and not be able to switch off the fuel? Providing they would know which switch it was of course.