A system and method for safely terminating navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A method includes generating a navigation plan for the UAV, the UAV including a propulsion system, wherein the navigation plan includes at least a start point, an end point, and a virtual three-dimensional (3D) tunnel connecting the start and end points; and configuring the UAV to execute the navigation plan by navigating from the start point to the end point, wherein the UAV is configured such that the UAV executes the navigation plan by navigating from the start point to the end point, wherein the UAV is further configured such that the UAV terminates navigation by terminating power to the propulsion system of the UAV and deploying a failsafe, wherein the UAV is configured to terminate navigation when the UAV is outside of the 3D tunnel.