How CFIT Happens

Controlled flight into terrain, CFIT, accidents afflict pilots of all skill levels-those with rookie-level experience and those with more than enough experience to know better than to fall into the traps leading to an abrupt, final, premature arrival. According to a review of NTSB records, more than 40 CFIT-related accidents occurred in the 10 years ending in 2010. And theyre unforgiving and deadly, with 39 of 43 incurring 112 fatalities. The senselessness of one such accident prompted a former NTSB staff member to suggest a review of the probable-cause report issued in an October 2009 crash. The former staffer felt the abbreviated report left a few questions unanswered; the NTSBs probable-cause cite in the final report read with characteristic candor, citing "the pilots decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain."

Key Takeaways:

• Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents are a significant and deadly risk for pilots of all experience levels, often resulting from a chain of errors rather than a single misstep.
• Common causes include navigation and altimeter setting errors, non-compliance with procedures, misinterpretation of instructions, and a critical decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
• Preventing CFIT relies on strict adherence to instrument flight principles, respecting published minimum altitudes, correct altimeter settings, prioritizing safety (e.g., climbing when uncertain), and effectively managing cockpit distractions.

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