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.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA012 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 11, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kanab, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Kanab Muni (KNB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 46-350P
- N-number
- N945S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.