On June 21, 2003, a Piper SARATOGA II TC PA32- (registration N9298D) operated by Robert H. Harshbarger was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing. A factor was the gusty wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing attempt, a wind gust caused the airplane to turn left, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with runway lights and signs.
Landing Attempt
The pilot reported attempting to land on the first third of the runway. The approach was conducted at an airspeed of 90 knots while maintaining the runway centerline. During the landing flare, a wind gust turned the airplane approximately 10 degrees to the left.
Runway Excursion and Impact
After the gust-induced turn, the airplane landed but subsequently departed the paved runway surface and entered the grass area adjacent to the runway. While in the grass, the airplane struck runway lights and signs.
Weather Conditions
Wind conditions at the time of the incident were reported as 30 degrees from the right of the runway, at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots. No other weather information or visibility details were provided in the report.