What is "controlled flight into terrain" (CFIT)?

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) refers specifically to an accident in which an otherwise airworthy aircraft, under the control of the pilot, unintentionally descends into the ground, water, or other obstacles. This situation often occurs when the pilots are unaware of the impending collision due to factors such as lack of situational awareness, poor visibility, or navigational errors.

The defining characteristic of CFIT is that the flight is not intentional; the pilots do not purposely fly into terrain. Instead, they are actively controlling the aircraft, leading to a tragic outcome despite the aircraft's operational status. Understanding CFIT is crucial for improving safety protocols and pilot training, ensuring that pilots remain alert to their surroundings and can make timely decisions to avoid such incidents.