Single engine pilot reported they became disoriented during a go around and temporarily lost control of the plane. Their passenger who was a licensed pilot took over the controls but deviated off the localizer course before landing.
Synopsis
Single engine pilot reported they became disoriented during a go around and temporarily lost control of the plane. Their passenger who was a licensed pilot took over the controls but deviated off the localizer course before landing.
Narrative
I am an instrument-rated private pilot with approximately 320 of total time. This time includes 260 Dual; 63 solo; 59 simulated instrument; and 5 actual instrument. At the time of the below incident; I was within the currency regulations set forth by FAR. My last BFR / Check ride was on Day 0 (SEAL Instrument) On Day 1 at approximately XA:30 hrs I rented a General aviation airplane (Aircraft X) from ZZZ and flew to ZZZ1 on a time-building / practice flight. Prior to departure; I requested that a friend of mine who holds a Commercial pilot's license accompany me on this flight. Prior to departure; it was clearly discussed that my friend was to be a passenger on this flight only. Departure from ZZZ and subsequent arrival to ZZZ1 was uneventful. Once at ZZZ1 I completed some pattern work before deciding to return to ZZZ. Prior to our return; a check of the weather indicated marginal conditions at ZZZ and as such; I filed an IFR flight plan back to ZZZ. Prior to departure; my passenger asked whether I was current on my IFR requirements to which I replied in the affirmative and the two of us decided that I was the Pilot in Command of the flight back and the sole manipulator of the controls. I did however request that he handle the radio for the duration of the flight. Once we departed ZZZ1 we were given vectors for ZZZ and leveled off at 5000 ft. At 5000 ft. we encountered intermittent IMC conditions with minor turbulence. During the initial phase of the approach; we were vectored to a heading of 130 and instructed to maintain max forward speed. Once configured for the approach our indicated airspeed was insufficient for separation and ATC canceled the approach; issuing a new heading of 260. During this conversation with ATC; I became mildly disoriented and struggled to maintain my wings level. My passenger pilot felt necessary to take over the aircraft and flew for the remaining time to ZZZ. Because this transition was unexpected and hastily my passenger pilot was not able to properly orient himself; moreover he had never flown an instrument approach from the right seat. This combination of facts along with nighttime IMC conditions caused him to miss align with the final approach course and initially lose the localizer causing us to turn to a northbound heading. At this point; my passenger pilot requested assistance and the ATC assigned a heading of 340. Once established on the new heading ATC provided updated clearance for ILS XXR which my passenger pilot completed without incident. After landing ZZZ Tower requested that we contact TRACON which I did the following day.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.