NTSB Factual Report

On March 7, 2002, at 1130 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28R-180, N800RC, veered off runway 14 during an attempted aborted landing, and came to rest in a broccoli field at the Harris Ranch Airport (3O8), Coalinga, California. The airplane, rented from Memley Aviation, Inc., by the pilot and operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight that departed from the Fresno-Chandler Downtown Airport, Fresno, California, about 1100. No flight plan had been filed.

Through a written statement, the pilot said that he lost control during landing. The pilot had left rudder applied for the right sideslip he had initiated for landing in the crosswind conditions. As the airplane touched down, it veered left off of the runway. The pilot then attempted an immediate takeoff on the "side of the runway;" however, he realized he would not be able to takeoff and closed the throttle. He then fast taxied into row crops and the landing gear "folded."

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. The crosswind was a contributing factor.