Occurrence categories are used to classify occurrences (i.e. accidents and incidents) at a high level to permit analysis of the data in support of safety initiatives. Categories , such as CFIT and “loss of control” have been developed specifically for this purpose.
One should not confuse the code with the intent of the classification. While clearly an incident involving a loss of separation does not involve a collision, there may have been the potential for it. The intent of this classification is to capture all occurrences which involve a risk of a midair collision, remote as it may have been, as well as the actual collision.
Runway incursion safety initiatives address two different aspects: one is the aspect of controlling the traffic on the aerodrome so as to avoid any collisions. This function is exercised by the air traffic services at the aerodrome. The other aspect relates to activities preventing wildlife and unauthorized persons to access the runway. They usually fall into the responsibility of the airport operator. Because of this difference in the responsibilities, two categories were developed.
Different prevention strategies are used for the two categories: for example, the ground proximity warning systems, while providing for a warning when an attempt is made to land without the landing gear extended, do not have a capability to warn pilots of an impending landing close to, but off the runway surface.
CFIT prevention is aimed at ”normal” operations, which are not usually conducted close to the ground. Low altitude operations, such as crop spraying, aerial observations are normally and intentionally carried out close to the ground and the crew is fully aware of the proximity to the ground while conducting such operations.
The purpose of the category to collect information on those occurrence in which the design, maintenance or operation of the airport contributed to the occurrence. There is no need to establish a direct causal relationship between the conditions of the aerodrome and the occurrence.
