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Casualties unknown

Airplane Deviates Left During Landing Flare, Strikes Runway Lights (N9298D)

Mansfield, OH, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 2003 Piper SARATOGA II TC PA32- accident near Mansfield, OH?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 2003 involved a Piper SARATOGA II TC PA32-, registration N9298D, operated by Robert H. Harshbarger, at Mansfield, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030819X01360. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.