Which of the following is an incorrect description of CFIT?

Which of the following is an incorrect description of CFIT?

• A. CFIT only occurs with pilots at lower level of experience
• B. CFIT usually occurs near an airport
• C. CFIT usually involves impact with significantly raised terrain
• D. CFIT often occurs in conditions of cloud or reduced visibility

Answer: (A)

CFIT describes a situation where an airworthy aircraft under pilot control is unintentionally flown into terrain, water, or obstacles. The statement that CFIT only occurs with pilots at a lower level of experience is not true. CFIT can happen to pilots with any experience level; even seasoned crews have fallen victim to disorientation, misreading instruments, or misjudging terrain in instrument meteorological conditions. Experience reduces risk, but it does not guarantee immunity from CFIT. The other descriptions fit common patterns of CFIT. It often happens near an airport during approach or departure when terrain or obstacles lie close to the flight path. It typically involves colliding with terrain that is higher than the aircraft’s current altitude, such as rising terrain or mountains. And it frequently occurs in conditions of cloud or reduced visibility, where pilots don’t have a clear view of the surrounding terrain and must rely on instruments.

CFIT describes a situation where an airworthy aircraft under pilot control is unintentionally flown into terrain, water, or obstacles. The statement that CFIT only occurs with pilots at a lower level of experience is not true. CFIT can happen to pilots with any experience level; even seasoned crews have fallen victim to disorientation, misreading instruments, or misjudging terrain in instrument meteorological conditions. Experience reduces risk, but it does not guarantee immunity from CFIT.

The other descriptions fit common patterns of CFIT. It often happens near an airport during approach or departure when terrain or obstacles lie close to the flight path. It typically involves colliding with terrain that is higher than the aircraft’s current altitude, such as rising terrain or mountains. And it frequently occurs in conditions of cloud or reduced visibility, where pilots don’t have a clear view of the surrounding terrain and must rely on instruments.