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7) Terrain collision

32 fatal accidents on record

This happens mostly in flight where the pilot does NOT become disoriented. The pilot is simply unaware of the looming terrain in his or her flight path. Normally the aircraft is proceeding normally and there is no cause for alarm, other than the fact that the aircraft path is directly aimed at an object. These accidents can occur when in either visual or in IMC conditions.

Trend

Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
  • Accidents per quarter
  • Rolling 12-month average
7) Terrain collision: Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
PeriodAccidentsRolling 12-month average per quarter
Q1 202534
Q2 202523.3
Q3 202533
Q4 202522.5
Q1 202601.8
Q2 202632
Q3 202632
Q4 2026 QTD22

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Practice scenarios

What to practice to keep this from happening to you. Fly drills with a qualified instructor at a safe altitude, or in a simulator.

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Recent accidents in this category

See all 32 in the accident index →