​​What is Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)? CFIT is defi | Curiosity Tea

​​What is Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)?

CFIT is defined as an unintentional collision with terrain (the ground, a mountain, a body of water, or an obstacle) while an aircraft is under positive control. Most often, the pilot or crew is unaware of the looming disaster until it is too late. CFIT most commonly occurs in the approach or landing phase of flight.

Accidents where the aircraft is out of control at the point of impact are not known as CFIT. Rather, they are considered uncontrolled flight into terrain. Similarly, incidents resulting from deliberate acts, such as terrorism or suicide by the pilot, are also not considered to be CFIT.

Technological advances in situational awareness have dramatically reduced the number of General Aviation Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents over the past 20 years. Nevertheless, CFIT accidents continue to occur and at least half of them are fatal.