Summary
While taxiing for takeoff, a pilot observed a skip loader on the left edge of the taxiway and believed there was adequate clearance. While setting up the GPS for the flight, the pilot became distracted, causing the airplane to drift left and strike the skip loader. The right horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. No mechanical failures were reported.
Incident Details
The pilot was taxiing the airplane along a taxiway in preparation for takeoff. On the immediate left side of the taxiway, a piece of ground equipment—a skip loader—was present. The pilot visually assessed the situation and determined that there was sufficient clearance to pass without contacting the equipment.
During the taxi, the pilot began to configure the GPS navigation system for the intended flight. This task required his attention and diverted his focus from monitoring the airplane's position relative to the taxiway edges. As a result, the airplane gradually drifted to the left. The pilot did not notice the deviation until the airplane struck the skip loader.
Damage
The collision impacted the right horizontal stabilizer. Post-incident inspection revealed substantial damage to that component. No other damage to the airplane was reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no pre-existing mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. The incident appears to have been caused entirely by the distraction during the GPS setup.