What happened
On February 23, 2025, at approximately 1420 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172S, registration N137RJ, was involved in an accident near La Verne, California. The aircraft was being operated as a Part 91 instructional flight by a flight instructor and a student pilot.
During a simulated short field takeoff, the crew taxied the aircraft into position on the runway and came to a stop. The instructor reported that the brakes were held while engine power was increased via the throttle. Upon releasing the brakes to initiate the takeoff roll, the left main landing gear wheel began rotating, but a slight delay was noted in the rotation of the right main landing gear wheel. Shortly after this delay, the right main landing gear leg collapsed.
There were no injuries to the flight instructor or the student pilot. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft showed substantial damage to the right wing, the horizontal stabilizer, and the elevator. Additionally, the right main landing gear tubular spring was found to be partially separated from the airframe. The aircraft was retained for further examination.