NASA WB-57 Aircraft Makes Emergency Belly Landing in Houston

Crew unharmed as investigation into mechanical issue is launched

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:15pm

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One of NASA's three WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft made an emergency landing at Ellington Field in Houston on Tuesday morning after experiencing a mechanical issue that resulted in the landing gear not extending. The aircraft touched down on the runway without its landing gear deployed, sliding to a stop as the pilot maintained control. All crew members were reported safe, and NASA has launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.

Why it matters

The WB-57 is a critical high-altitude research aircraft used by NASA for a variety of scientific missions, including atmospheric sampling and weather reconnaissance. Any incident involving these specialized planes is noteworthy, as they play a key role in NASA's overall research capabilities. This emergency landing highlights the importance of maintaining and safely operating these unique aircraft.

The details

Video footage showed the WB-57 touching down on the runway at Ellington Field and sliding to a stop as the pilot kept the aircraft under control. NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens stated that a 'mechanical issue' led to the gear-up landing, and that a full investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause. The WB-57 aircraft have a long history, dating back to their origins as English Electric Company planes in the 1940s that were later adopted by the U.S. Air Force for bombing missions and atmospheric research.

  • The emergency landing occurred on Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Bethany Stevens

A NASA spokesperson who provided details on the emergency landing incident.

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What they’re saying

“Today, a mechanical issue with one of NASA's WB-57s resulted in a gear-up landing at Ellington Field. Response to the incident is ongoing, and all crew are safe at this time. As with any incident, a thorough investigation will be conducted by NASA into the cause. NASA will transparently update the public as we gather more information.”

— Bethany Stevens, NASA Spokesperson

What’s next

NASA has stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the mechanical issue that led to the emergency landing. The agency has also promised to transparently update the public as more information is gathered.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that specialized aircraft like the WB-57 play in NASA's research capabilities, and the importance of maintaining and safely operating these unique assets. The successful emergency landing without any crew injuries is a testament to the skill of the pilot and the overall safety protocols in place.