Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) remains a leading cause of fatal accidents in general aviation. The tragedy? The aircraft is under control while being flown into the ground.
Imagine departing KCAK in a Cirrus SR20 on a foggy morning. The takeoff roll is smooth, but shortly after departure, you turn toward rising terrain without adequate climb or situational awareness. Without GPS awareness or published obstacle departure procedures, even a capable aircraft can meet the ground.
CFIT often occurs when pilots fly below minimum safe altitudes, misread terrain, or press into poor weather. At Akron–Canton, with rolling terrain and towers in every direction, there is little margin for error.
The solution is threefold:
- Respect terrain and obstacle charts—know what’s around you before you launch.
- Use your avionics wisely—Cirrus aircraft have excellent terrain warnings. Don’t silence them unless you’re certain.
- Have a backup plan—if ceilings or visibility are marginal, delay departure or file IFR.
CFIT isn’t about poor piloting skills; it’s about poor judgment. Stay aware, stay high, and respect terrain every time you leave KCAK.