Partners and Programs:
  • BARS
  • GSIP
  • SKYbrary
  • ASN
  • Contact Us
  • Members' Center
  • Login
  • Support Aviation Safety

  • Industry Updates
  • The Foundation
    • About the Foundation
    • Mission
    • History
    • Work with Us
    • Leadership
    • Officers, Staff and Volunteers
    • Media/Communications
    • Aviation Awards
    • Join Us
  • Events
  • AeroSafety World
  • Toolkits & Resources
    • COVID-19 Crisis Resources
    • Fatigue Management
    • Flight Path Monitoring
    • Go-Around Project
    • GSIP Toolkits
    • Past Safety Initiatives
    • Pilot Training and Competency
    • Podcasts
    • Special Reports
    • Unreliable Airspeed
  • Industry Updates
  • The Foundation
    • About the Foundation
    • Mission
    • History
    • Work with Us
    • Leadership
    • Officers, Staff and Volunteers
    • Media/Communications
    • Aviation Awards
    • Join Us
  • Events
  • AeroSafety World
  • Toolkits & Resources
    • COVID-19 Crisis Resources
    • Fatigue Management
    • Flight Path Monitoring
    • Go-Around Project
    • GSIP Toolkits
    • Past Safety Initiatives
    • Pilot Training and Competency
    • Podcasts
    • Special Reports
    • Unreliable Airspeed
  • Contact Us
  • Members' Center
  • Login
  • Support Aviation Safety
Partners and Programs:
  • BARS
  • GSIP
  • SKYbrary
  • ASN

FLIGHT SAFETY FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS

701 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 250,
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: +1 703 739 6700 Fax: +1 703 739 6708

Key Safety Issues

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)

Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) is one of three high-risk accident occurrence categories identified by the International Civil Aviation Organization. CFIT includes issues related to terrain, water and obstacle conflicts without indication of loss of control.

ADREP Occurrence Categories: CFIT

Recent Fatal Accident History

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 TOTAL
9 6 4 7 2 28

Source: Aviation Safety Network database

Analysis

Controlled Flight Into Terrain Accident Analysis Report (IATA)

Viewing 1 - 10 of 11 results

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Helicopter Safety

CFIT at Night

The NTSB cites a pilot’s failure to maintain altitude in a Huey’s CFIT crash in…

by Linda Werfelman

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Helicopter Safety

‘Don’t Give Up on Me’

Pilot’s self-induced pressure cited in AS350 crash near remote Alaskan dog camp.

by Linda Werfelman

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Cover Story, Safety Culture

‘Bend the Rules’

Company attitudes about operating in Alaska were cited in the NTSB report on the fatal…

by Linda Werfelman

News, Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Accident Investigation

Items Found at 1985 Crash Site Not Relevant to Investigation

Flight recorders from the crash of Eastern Airlines Flight 980 in the Andes have never…

by FSF Editorial Staff

Blog, Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), People, Technology

Developer of Ground Prox Warning System Retires

Aviation industry safety guru Don Bateman, who developed the ground proximity warning system (GPWS) and…

by Frank Jackman

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), DataLink

CFIT Hits a New Low

IATA data show one commercial air transport CFIT crash in 2015, 
as well as declines…

by Linda Werfelman

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Strategic Issues

Tipping Points

The convergence of familiar factors in a 2012 CFIT accident underscores why ever-present vulnerabilities must…

by Wayne Rosenkrans

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Accident Investigation, Helicopter Safety, Winter/Challenging Ops

Frigid Descent

The occupants of a BO105 survived the crash but drowned in icy Canadian waters before…

by Linda Werfelman

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Strategic Issues

Continuous Descent

Inexpensive alternatives to step-down, nonprecision approach procedures reduce risk of CFIT accidents.

by Wayne Rosenkrans

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), 2012 Review

CFIT’s Unwelcome Return

Accident numbers and rates decreased further in 2012, but CFIT is still a concern.

by James M. Burin

Previous 1 2 Next

Key Safety Issues

  • Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)
  • Loss of Control–In Flight (LOC-I)
  • Mechanical Issues
  • Runway Safety (approach and landing)
  • Sabotage/Intentional Acts
  • Midair Collisions (MAC)
  • Runway Safety (Conflicts)
  • Wildlife Issues
  • Fatigue
  • Cabin Safety
  • Emerging Safety Issues
    • Lithium Batteries
    • Safety Information Sharing and Protection
    • Unmanned Aircraft Systems

701 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 250, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: +1 703 739 6700 Fax: +1 703 739 6708

Flight Safety Foundation on Twitter

🛫 Partner with us! We have a great sponsorship package to get your company in front of thousands of aviation profes… https://t.co/g1B9dkl3W0

February 24, 2021

Follow @flightsafety

Projects & Partners

  • Basic Aviation Risk Standard
  • Global Safety Information Project
  • SKYbrary
  • Aviation Safety Network
  • Donate
  • Advertise on our website
  • Sponsor & Exhibit at our Events
  • Work with Us
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Privacy

© 2021 Flight Safety Foundation

Join our group on LinkedIn