Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 49; Flight Crew Total 129; Flight Crew Type 129
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Ground Excursion Runway
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Evacuated; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I am a Private Oilot who currently lives in ZZZ; and I was in ZZZ1 for the weekend. I am currently working on my instrument rating; and I do not have a complex endorsement. I was looking to book a plane for that day; and I decided that it would be best to look at renting a complex aircraft and hiring a CFI as PIC so I could get my first lesson in flying complex. This way; the time would count towards my 10 hour requirement for complex or TAA aircraft for my commercial license; which I plan on getting after my instrument rating. I knew that I would be required to hire a CFI as PIC since I do not yet have my complex endorsement. We arrived on the morning of Date and took off from ZZZ2 at roughly XA:00am after a preflight with the CFI; who is employed by Company. The lesson took place in the school's 172RG. Our flight consisted of an intro complex lesson where we flew down to ZZZ3 for a touch and go. Following this; we flew back to ZZZ2 and prepared for landing. We were cleared for Runway XR by Tower and made a straight in approach. The before landing checklist was completed; and we extended the landing gear as required. We noted that the light on the landing gear instrument had turned green as we were on approach; indicating that the landing gear had been deployed. There was a crosswind out of 070 with winds at 17kts; gust 22kts as reported by Tower. We performed a side slip to correct for the crosswind; and approached the runway at normal speed. The side slip was performed well and the airplane touched down straight and in the middle of the runway at appropriate touchdown speed. Once the main wheels touched down; the plane started to wobble on the left side; and it became clear that the left main landing gear had not locked in place. The left landing gear then folded back into the plane during the rollout. By this time our ground speed had slowed considerably; but the plane was supported partially by the left fuselage. While the main right gear and front gear had deployed; the main left gear was now back inside the plane; and the aircraft veered off to the left and into the grass. Informed Tower; and the airport closed the runway and deployed emergency services to come meet us.Nobody was hurt during the event; and we safely exited the aircraft where we waited for the airport personnel. I did not notice any damage to the airport; and no runway lights were hit. The only damage to the plane was minor; and from what I could see it was limited to the landing gear and possibly the left wingtip; which was touching the ground when the plane came to a stop to the left of the runway. The engine; prop; and the rest of the plane seemed undamaged.The airport informed the FAA of the event; and eventually I was dismissed after giving the airport workers my pilot certificate. I made a quick call to inspector. We briefly spoke; and I gave a brief oral statement. In my opinion this was a clear mechanical failure and was not due to pilot error. Also; this event does not fit the definition of an accident or reportable incident to the NTSB; per NTSB part 830.
Take off at ZZZ2 at XA:40 AM local time Eastbound after clear ZZZ2 Delta airspace; right turn southbound direct to ZZZ3 at 1;500 feet MSL.  Joined left downwind runway seven and performed one touch and go; no issues. After the touch and go; we flew out of the traffic pattern to the west and proceeded directly over the bay towards ZZZ2 at 1;500 feet MSL. At mile 10 southwest from ZZZ2 we proceed to check with ZZZ2 Control Tower and be clear to join direct final Runway XR for a full stop. Around XC:46 we performed a normal landing. After touchdown we proceeded to press brake pedals and the left landing gear slowly collapsed rearward and up. Left wing tip touched the runway's surface around 40 knots and by that time directional control of the plane was lost even with use of opposite brake; aircraft slowly slid left towards the grass and off the runway and fully stopped on the left side of runway nine right. No hard Landing; no injuries; no propeller strike; no fire.
Flight Instructor and trainee reported that during a training flight the left main gear collapsed on landing; causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Both pilots exited the aircraft safely.