NASA’s WB-57F research aircraft made a belly landing at Houston’s Ellington Airport due to mechanical problems that prevented the landing gear from operating.
Footage released by a local television station showed the plane emitting sparks and smoke as it rolled down the runway, and emergency response teams helping the pilot safely eject. According to NASA, no one on board was injured.
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As a result of the accident, Runway 17R–35L was temporarily closed while the aircraft was removed. NASA has announced that it will launch a detailed investigation to determine the cause, and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will also conduct its own investigation. Two people were on board the plane at the time of the forced landing.
The WB-57F is a rare and strategic aircraft operated out of the Johnson Space Center, also located in Houston. It can fly to altitudes of up to 19,000 meters and is equipped with scientific sensors in modular compartments in the fuselage, nose and under the wings. Although similar in appearance to the U.S. Air Force’s U-2, it serves a different and complementary mission alongside the ER-2 operated by NASA.
The WB-57F was originally developed for high-altitude reconnaissance missions during the Cold War, but now plays important roles in scientific research, military testing, and even aerial observation of space launches. As there are only three aircraft in operation, it is currently unclear how this accident will affect future aircraft operations.
source: The War Zone | Photo: X @BNONews | This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff
BREAKING | Video shows a NASA plane making a belly landing at Ellington Airport. Here’s what we know right now.
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) January 27, 2026
