A great pity, in what may well have otherwise been a successful forced landing.
Looking at the picture, sure seems to be substantial damage to the cockpit area, I hope they both make a full recovery.
Not wanting to speculate, but by the time he saw (if he saw) the pole I'd imagine he was pretty much committed.
As Final 3 Greens said, There but for the grace of God.......
http://www.wftv.com/news/4072940/detail.html