Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) | Case Study

December 11, 2024-Case Studies--

Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) Case Study by Wael Bakdash

Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) occurs when an airworthy aircraft, under the pilot’s control, unintentionally collides with terrain, water, or an obstacle. This typically happens without the pilot being aware of the impending danger until it is too late to act.

Contents:

  • Define Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT)
  • CFIT Common Accidents Reasons
  • CFIT Statistics
  • EA 401 Accident
  • Preventing CFIT

What is a Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT)

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) refers to a situation where an aircraft, under full control and with no mechanical issues, inadvertently crashes into the ground, water, or an obstacle such as a mountain or building. This often occurs because the flight crew is unaware of the impending danger until it is too late to act.

CFIT Accidents:

  • Mistakes in IFR Procedures:

-Flying below the assigned altitude

-Descending below the minimum descending altitude (MDA)

-Failing to fly the assigned heading or altitude

  • Wire Strikes:

-Mostly common in agriculture operations

-Most wire strikes occur below 200ft AGL

-Wires are unmarked

  • Unrealistic Expectations of Aircraft Performance:

-High-density altitude, followed by short/obstructed runway and the aircraft is at or near gross weight results with collisions on take-off

CFIT Statistices

CFIT is the second most frequent fatal accident (left fig)

Out of 47 CFIT accidents/incidents, 42 of them were fatal

Over the past 10 years, the number of accidents has been dropping (right fig)

Technological awareness have contributed to the reduction in CFIT accidents

Preventing Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), Improved Technology

  • Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS)
  • Moving Maps
  • Weather Graphics
  • Flight risk assessment tools (FRAT) applications

References

  • https://www.iata.org/en/programs/safety/operational-safety/controlled-flight-into-terrain/
  • https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2018/media/SE_Topic_18-11.pdf
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yERx9Wx-itM
  • https://www.iata.org/contentassets/06377898f60c46028a4dd38f13f979ad/cfit-report.pdf
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICqPGkto3Yo
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12jp5G1LWG0