Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor the airplane's movement on the ground while programming the GPS, which resulted in a collision with a pole.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after he had started the airplane's engine, he noticed an error in the route programmed in the global positioning system (GPS). The pilot reported the airplane had begun to roll forward as he made changes to the GPS programming and he was not aware the airplane was moving. The airplane collided with a steel pole and sustained substantial damage to fuselage and wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after he had started the airplane's engine, he noticed an error in the route programmed in the global positioning system (GPS). The pilot reported the airplane had begun to roll forward as he made changes to the GPS programming and he was not aware the airplane was moving. The airplane collided with a steel pole and sustained substantial damage to fuselage and wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.