Controlled flight into terrain

Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) is a term developed by engineers at Boeing in the late 1970s. It describes an accident whereby an airworthy aircraft, under complete control of the pilot(s), inadvertently flies into terrain (or an obstacle, or water). The pilots are generally unaware of the danger until it is too late.

Related Topics:
Engineer - Boeing - 1970s - Aircraft

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A plane crash due to mechanical failures (such as engine flameout, autopilot malfunction, etc.) should not be considered CFIT, since the aircraft is probably not considered to be airworthy or fully "controlled".

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Frequent factors involved in CFIT incidents:

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• Can occur with pilots at all levels of experience — even highly experienced professionals
• Usually involves impact with significantly raised terrain such as hills or mountains
• Usually associated with pilot fatigue or disorientation
• Usually occur near an airport
• Often occurs in conditions of cloud or reduced visibility
• Sometimes occurs at night
 
Controlled flight into terrain: Notable incidents ►