What is a CFIT?
Q: What is a CFIT?
A: A CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) is an accident in which an airworthy aircraft, under pilot control, is unintentionally flown into the ground, a mountain, a body of water or an obstacle.
Q: Who coined the term "CFIT"?
A: The term was coined by engineers at Boeing in the late 1970s.
Q: Are accidents where the aircraft is out of control at the time of impact considered CFIT?
A: No, accidents where the aircraft is out of control at the time of impact are not considered CFIT; they are known as uncontrolled flight into terrain.
Q: Are deliberate acts such as terrorism or suicide by pilot considered CFIT?
A: No, accidents resulting from deliberate action of the person flying the aircraft are not considered CFIT.
Q: How many deaths have been caused by CFIT since commercial jet age began?
A: According to Boeing, CFIT has caused over 9,000 deaths since the beginning of commercial jet age.
Q: What percentage of USAF Class A mishaps were attributed to CFIT between 1993 and 2002?
A: Between 1993 and 2002, 25% of USAF Class A mishaps were attributed to CFIT.
