CFIT

CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) occurs when an airworthy aircraft under pilot control is unintentionally flown into the ground, water, or an obstacle. CFIT is one of the leading causes of aviation fatalities worldwide.

Common contributing factors include:

• Loss of situational awareness
• Inadequate terrain clearance during approach
• Failure to follow published procedures
• Poor visibility and adverse weather

CFIT prevention technologies include GPWS/TAWS (Ground Proximity Warning System / Terrain Awareness and Warning System), which provide aural and visual alerts when terrain impact is imminent.