A NASA NASA WB-57F research aircraft carried out a belly landing at Ellington Airport in Houston after experiencing a mechanical issue that prevented the landing gear from deploying.
Footage released by a local broadcaster shows the aircraft sliding along the runway, producing sparks and smoke, while emergency crews assisted the pilot in safely exiting the jet. According to NASA, all occupants are safe.
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The incident led to the temporary closure of runway 17R–35L while crews worked to remove the aircraft. NASA confirmed it will open a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the malfunction, while the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also stated it will conduct its own inquiry. Two people were on board at the time of the forced landing.
The WB-57F aircraft are rare and strategic platforms operated from the Johnson Space Center, also in Houston. Capable of flying at altitudes of up to around 19,000 meters, these aircraft carry scientific sensors in modular compartments located on the fuselage, nose, and under the wings. Although they resemble the U.S. Air Force’s U-2, they perform distinct and complementary roles, alongside the ER-2 aircraft also operated by NASA.
Originally developed during the Cold War for high-altitude intelligence missions, the WB-57F aircraft now play important roles in scientific research, military testing, and even in aerial observation of space launches. Due to the extremely limited number of these aircraft — only three currently in operation — it is not yet clear what impact this incident may have on the future availability of the fleet.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @BNONews | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
BREAKING | Video shows a NASA plane making a belly landing at Ellington Airport. Here’s what we know right now. https://t.co/aqC7z1IMTu
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) January 27, 2026
