F-117 Test Pilot Lands Nighthawk After Losing Nose Wheel

Tom Morgenfeld safely landed the stealth fighter after its nose wheel fell off during takeoff.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Lockheed test pilot Tom Morgenfeld experienced a harrowing incident in 1982 when the nose wheel of the F-117A Nighthawk he was flying fell off upon takeoff from Area 51. Despite the loss of the nose wheel, Morgenfeld was able to safely land the aircraft by using the drag chute to slow the descent and avoid damage to the nose gear strut.

Why it matters

The successful emergency landing of the F-117A without a nose wheel demonstrated the skill and professionalism of the test pilots who were instrumental in the development of the world's first operational stealth aircraft. This incident highlighted the robust design and handling characteristics of the Nighthawk, which allowed it to be safely landed despite the loss of a critical component.

The details

As soon as Morgenfeld's YF-117A left the ground, the nose wheel fell off and bounced down the runway. After consulting with the control room, Morgenfeld decided to continue the planned test flight, burning off fuel before attempting an emergency landing. He used the aircraft's drag chute to slow the descent, and the landing was successful with only minor damage to the nose gear strut.

  • On January 27, 1982, Morgenfeld took off from Area 51 for an avionics test flight.
  • Shortly after takeoff, the nose wheel fell off the YF-117A aircraft.

The players

Tom Morgenfeld

A Lockheed test pilot who successfully landed the F-117A Nighthawk after its nose wheel fell off during takeoff.

Ben Rich

The director of Lockheed's Skunk Works division, who joked with Morgenfeld about the incident after his safe landing.

Kelly Johnson

The renowned aeronautical engineer who co-founded Lockheed's Skunk Works and also joked with Morgenfeld about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“When it became apparent what had happened, the control room set about developing a recommended plan of action.”

— Tom Morgenfeld, Lockheed test pilot (Dreamland The Secret History of Area 51)

“The end result was visually rather spectacular, but otherwise pretty benign.”

— Tom Morgenfeld, Lockheed test pilot (Dreamland The Secret History of Area 51)

What’s next

Morgenfeld returned to Lockheed's Burbank facility two days after the incident, where company leaders Ben Rich and Kelly Johnson jokingly reprimanded him for the damage to the aircraft.

The takeaway

The successful emergency landing of the F-117A Nighthawk without a nose wheel demonstrated the exceptional skill and professionalism of the test pilots who played a crucial role in the development of this groundbreaking stealth aircraft, as well as the robust design that allowed the plane to be safely landed despite the loss of a critical component.