Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Sport / Recreational
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5; Flight Crew Total 1200; Flight Crew Type 1050
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
After takeoff cruise altitude was established at 2;100 FT on a northeast heading. While focusing on a recently purchased GPS and an inadvertent nose down trim; I lost altitude. Altitude recovery and pull up was at 400-500 FT above ground level. Corrective action is to be familiar with equipment before takeoff and trim aircraft for appropriate flight.
The pilot of a small single engine aircraft became distracted with new navigation equipment and lost altitude; recovering about 400-500 FT above ground level.