GA CrashAnalysis
Topic

Controlled Flight Into Terrain

A working airplane flown into terrain or obstacles, often in reduced visibility, darkness, or rising ground the pilot never saw.

150
Accidents
264
Fatalities
2,953
Avg pilot hours

Every controlled flight into terrain accident

CESSNA 210B — Camarillo, CA
February 16, 2026 · Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
EPIC E1000 — Steamboat Springs, CO
February 13, 2026 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4 fatal
EMBRAER EMB-110P1 — Les Cayes
February 5, 2026 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
PIPER PA-28R-201 — Pittsfield, IL
November 24, 2025 · Approach-circling (IFR) Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
PIPER PA-28-180 — Wolf, WY
September 1, 2025 · Enroute-climb to cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
PIPER PA-28R-200 — Alta, UT
August 31, 2025 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
BEECH M35 — Des Moines, NM
August 14, 2025 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
PIPER PA46-500TP — Lititz, PA
July 20, 2025 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
PIPER PA-32-300 — Round Mountain, NV
January 2, 2025 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
VANS AIRCRAFT INC RV-12IS — Homosassa, FL
December 7, 2024 · Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
CESSNA 150F — Wilder, TN
October 31, 2024 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
BOEING A75L3 — Yacolt, WA
September 6, 2024 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
PIPER J3 — Mooresburg, TN
August 16, 2024 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
24 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172N — Lock Haven, PA
July 4, 2024 · Approach-VFR pattern crosswind Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
27 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 177B — Elk River, ID
June 12, 2024 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
7,528 hrs 1 fatal
TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D — Nondalton, AK
May 17, 2024 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
CESSNA 310R — Poolville, TX
January 14, 2024 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
309 hrs 3 fatal
CESSNA T206H — Orangeville, UT
October 27, 2023 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
830 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-28-140 — Moab, UT
October 2, 2023 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,080 hrs 4 fatal
CESSNA 550 — Murrieta, CA
July 8, 2023 · Approach-IFR final approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
950 hrs 6 fatal
ICON A5 — Onamia, MN
June 30, 2023 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,309 hrs 1 fatal
AVID MAGNUM — Beaver Island, MI
June 23, 2023 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,988 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-32R-301 — Dayton, VA
January 11, 2023 · Enroute-change of cruise level Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,772 hrs 1 fatal
BEECH A36 — Arundel, ME
October 5, 2022 · Approach-IFR final approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,514 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA20 — Challis, ID
June 27, 2022 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
800 hrs 2 fatal
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 — Cedar City, UT
April 24, 2022 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
91 hrs 4 fatal
CESSNA 172P — Kekaha, HI
March 21, 2022 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
CESSNA 182T — Heath, OH
February 1, 2022 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
350 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA46-500TP — Steamboat Springs, CO
December 11, 2021 · Approach-IFR missed approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
581 hrs 1 fatal
JAHNKE LIONEL G GLASAIR III — Big Bear City, CA
November 21, 2021 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
18,000 hrs 1 fatal
BEECH S35 — Andrews, NC
October 3, 2021 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,148 hrs 2 fatal
CESSNA 172P — Eagle River, AK
July 26, 2021 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
500 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA-28-140 — Rush Valley, UT
June 18, 2021 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
863 hrs 2 fatal
CESSNA A188 — Pineview, GA
April 13, 2021 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4,511 hrs 1 fatal
BEECH C23 — Purcellville, VA
March 4, 2021 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4,000 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 441 — Belvidere , TN
February 7, 2021 · Approach-IFR final approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
18,800 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA-28-161 — Boynton Beach, FL
January 25, 2021 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
190 hrs 1 fatal
KOLB FIRESTAR — Vineland, NJ
January 11, 2021 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
300 hrs 1 fatal
Zenair CH601 — Maricopa, AZ
June 10, 2020 · Approach-VFR pattern base Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
806 hrs 1 fatal
Arion Aircraft LLC Lightning LS-1 — Mount Pleasant, SC
April 10, 2020 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
5 hrs 2 fatal
Cessna 140 — Sonora, CA
February 6, 2020 · Approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,500 hrs 2 fatal
Cessna TR182 — Billings, MT
January 12, 2020 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
13,800 hrs 4 fatal
Thunder Mustang TM-1 — Santa Clarita, CA
January 4, 2020 · Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4,500 hrs 1 fatal
CIRRUS SR-22 — North Las Vegas, NV
November 27, 2019 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
447 hrs 3 fatal
Piper PA32 — Raleigh, NC
October 20, 2019 · Approach-IFR final approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,956 hrs 2 fatal
American Aviation AA5 — Cowles, NM
September 27, 2019 · Enroute-climb to cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
668 hrs 2 fatal
Cessna 150 — WHITEHALL, MI
September 9, 2019 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
Cessna 210 — Henefer, UT
September 4, 2019 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,404 hrs 2 fatal
Piper PA22-150 — Girdwood, AK
August 5, 2019 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,700 hrs 4 fatal
Cub Crafters CCK-1865 — Moab, UT
June 30, 2019 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
Nanchang CJ6 — Porter Ranch, CA
June 15, 2019 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
12,500 hrs 1 fatal
Cessna 425 — Butler, MO
June 10, 2019 · Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
3,457 hrs 1 fatal
Aviat A1 — Santa Ynez, CA
May 15, 2019 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4,033 hrs 1 fatal
Piper PA32R — Goshen, IN
February 22, 2019 · Approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,500 hrs 1 fatal
Mooney M20F — Diablo, CA
February 9, 2019 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
57 hrs 1 fatal
Piper PA28 — Blairsville, GA
December 20, 2018 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
823 hrs 3 fatal
ZENITH CH601 — Overgaard, AZ
November 16, 2018 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,490 hrs 2 fatal
Cessna P210 — Prescott, AZ
August 30, 2018 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,480 hrs 1 fatal
Cessna 525 — Payson City, UT
August 13, 2018 · Other Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4,000 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172N — Rotan, TX
June 15, 2018 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
5,524 hrs 2 fatal
BEECH D17S — Santa Fe, NM
May 25, 2018 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4,541 hrs 1 fatal
BEECH 76 — Julian, CA
May 11, 2018 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,000 hrs 3 fatal
PIPER PA32R — Monticello, UT
February 22, 2018 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
597 hrs 4 fatal
CESSNA 172M — Ogden, UT
December 29, 2017 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
5,587 hrs 2 fatal
CESSNA 182H — Las Cruces, NM
October 13, 2017 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
32,700 hrs 2 fatal
BEECH 19A — Waipi'o, HI
July 29, 2017 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
128 hrs 4 fatal
AERONCA 15AC — BIG LAKE, AK
July 15, 2017 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
5,892 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA 28-181 — Upland, CA
November 22, 2016 · Enroute-climb to cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,558 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172 — New Orleans, LA
August 28, 2016 · Approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
9,828 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA-38-112 — Madison, IN
June 16, 2016 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1 fatal
CESSNA 150 — Penwell, TX
June 2, 2016 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
5,359 hrs 1 fatal
AEROSTAR S A YAK 52 — Alpine, WY
January 4, 2016 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,250 hrs 2 fatal
CESSNA 182 — Hope, ID
October 8, 2015 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
250 hrs 3 fatal
PIPER PA-28R — Marathon, FL
August 10, 2015 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
126 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA 32R-300 — Harbor Springs, MI
August 10, 2015 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
407 hrs 1 fatal
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5A — Harrisburg, IL
August 10, 2015 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
30 hrs 2 fatal
CESSNA 182 — Sikanni Chief
June 1, 2015 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
CESSNA 206H — Redding, CA
April 18, 2015 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
850 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-31T1 — Fort Lauderdale, FL
April 12, 2015 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,221 hrs 4 fatal
PIPER PA 28RT-201T — Brighton, CO
January 11, 2015 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
10,600 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 404 — Englewood, CO
December 30, 2014 · Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,566 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA T337G — Plano, IL
September 29, 2014 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,655 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA 28R-180 — Saratoga, WY
September 21, 2014 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
210 hrs 2 fatal
CLIFF STARDUSTER II SA300 — Placerville, CA
August 17, 2014 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
432 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA 28R-201 — Steamboat Springs, CO
August 9, 2014 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
134 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA 32R-300 — Highmore, SD
April 28, 2014 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
3,896 hrs 4 fatal
CESSNA T210L — San Marcos
April 1, 2014 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
3,831 hrs 2 fatal
NORTH AMERICAN P 51D — Galveston, TX
October 23, 2013 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
11,300 hrs 2 fatal
CESSNA 177 — Clayton, OK
October 18, 2013 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
22,130 hrs 1 fatal
CANTRELL LW CHALLENGER II SP — Prineville, OR
September 8, 2013 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
73 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172M — Fredericksburg, VA
July 22, 2013 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
165 hrs 1 fatal
DIAMOND DA40-180 — Ticlio
July 11, 2013 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
CESSNA 182D — Wellington, NV
April 15, 2013 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,266 hrs 2 fatal
BEECH B100 — Libby, MT
December 19, 2012 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
980 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA-28-180 — Hillsdale, MI
November 21, 2012 · Approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
765 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 182P — Yucca, AZ
October 18, 2012 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
780 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172B — Atlantic Ocean, AO
September 23, 2012 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,039 hrs 1 fatal
BELLANCA 7GCBC — Imperial, NE
August 4, 2012 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
280 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA T210L — Boyd, TX
May 21, 2012 · Approach-VFR go-around Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
417 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-32R-300 — Treasure Cay
March 25, 2012 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
250 hrs 4 fatal
CESSNA 150L — Goble, OR
March 15, 2012 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
650 hrs 2 fatal
BEECH B36 — Panoche, CA
March 15, 2012 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
13,681 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172S — North Bend, WA
February 15, 2012 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
991 hrs 3 fatal
ROCKWELL 690 — Apache Junction, AZ
November 24, 2011 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,500 hrs 6 fatal
CESSNA 182R — Lexington, OR
October 27, 2011 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,827 hrs 1 fatal
THORP T-18 — Plainwell, MI
September 23, 2011 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,921 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA P210 — Tehachapi, CA
September 4, 2011 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,248 hrs 2 fatal
BEECH A36 — Lander, WY
August 14, 2011 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,650 hrs 2 fatal
CIRRUS SR20 — Fredonia, AZ
July 30, 2011 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
212 hrs 2 fatal
TRUSTY THORP T-18 — Tehachapi, CA
June 20, 2011 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,600 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA T210N — Armonk, NY
June 18, 2011 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
4,150 hrs 4 fatal
BEECH V35 — Ellijay, GA
May 30, 2011 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,800 hrs 4 fatal
RADFORD RV-6 — Grand Canyon, AZ
March 11, 2011 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,900 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-28-181 — Phoenix, AZ
February 26, 2011 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
894 hrs 3 fatal
CESSNA 182K — Adrian, OR
January 30, 2011 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
148 hrs 3 fatal
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 — Pearlington, MS
December 13, 2010 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,650 hrs 1 fatal
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8GCBC — Bremerton, WA
November 18, 2010 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
15,000 hrs 1 fatal
BEECH C35 — Enterprise, OR
November 14, 2010 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
790 hrs 1 fatal
MOONEY M20F — Copake, NY
November 11, 2010 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,410 hrs 2 fatal
Hawker Beechcraft F33 — Phoenix, AZ
September 27, 2010 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,982 hrs 1 fatal
DEHAVILLAND DHC-3 — Aleknagik, AK
August 9, 2010 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
5 fatal
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation A36 — Seligman, AZ
June 19, 2010 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,179 hrs 1 fatal
BEECH G35 — Marble, CO
June 6, 2010 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
521 hrs 1 fatal
BELLANCA 17-30A — Friendswood, TX
April 28, 2010 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,800 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-28-181 — Phoenix, AZ
January 28, 2010 · Approach-VFR pattern base Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
68 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 340 — Lytle Creek, CA
January 18, 2010 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
474 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA-30 — Port Mansfield, TX
December 11, 2009 · Approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
314 hrs 2 fatal
CESSNA 182P — Kewanee, IL
November 23, 2009 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,269 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-30 — Raneille, WV
November 23, 2009 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,673 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172P — Bennington, VT
October 25, 2009 · Approach-VFR pattern base Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
174 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 182 — Pryor, MT
October 13, 2009 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
726 hrs 2 fatal
TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D1 — Skokomish, WA
October 11, 2009 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
180 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 182S — Napa, CA
August 5, 2009 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,080 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-46-350P — St George, UT
June 30, 2009 · Enroute-descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
782 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 182M — Atlanta, ID
June 3, 2009 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
809 hrs 1 fatal
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA-40 — Arcata, CA
March 2, 2009 · Approach-IFR final approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,203 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA-28-140 — Pittstown, NJ
December 31, 2008 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
643 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA46 — Baden
December 14, 2008 · Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2 fatal
CESSNA 206H — Kalkaska, MI
December 6, 2008 · Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
1,802 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 170B — Hanna, UT
November 21, 2008 · Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
420 hrs 1 fatal
Pilatus PC-12/47E — Santa Fe, NM
September 30, 2008 · Approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,437 hrs 1 fatal
CESSNA 172S — Incline Village, NV
August 8, 2008 · Enroute Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
97 hrs 1 fatal
PIPER PA-32-300 — Mount Charleston, NV
June 28, 2008 · Enroute-climb to cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
77 hrs 4 fatal
CESSNA 310Q — Steamboat, CO
May 25, 2008 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,100 hrs 2 fatal
PIPER PA-28-140 — Stevens Point, WI
May 12, 2008 · Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
278 hrs 2 fatal
Garrett Gerald P Cozy Mark IV — Jekyll Island, GA
May 4, 2008 · Unknown Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
7,600 hrs 1 fatal
Cirrus Design Corp. SR22 — Big Bear City, CA
April 9, 2008 · Enroute-cruise Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
2,159 hrs 1 fatal
Cirrus Design Corp SR22 — Front Royal, VA
March 15, 2008 · Initial climb Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
193 hrs 2 fatal
BEECH A36 — Cumberland, MD
February 22, 2008 · Approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
11,465 hrs 2 fatal
LANCAIR LC41 — Portland, OR
February 16, 2008 · Approach-IFR missed approach Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
5,152 hrs 1 fatal