GAA16CA012

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. 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: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Task monitoring/vigilance-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft handling/service-Towing and taxiing-Taxiing-Incorrect use/operation - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Pole-Effect on equipment