NASA Research Plane Makes Fiery Belly Landing at Texas Airport

The WB-57 aircraft experienced a mechanical issue that forced the landing without its landing gear deployed.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:07am

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A NASA research plane was forced to make an emergency belly landing at Ellington Airport in Houston on Tuesday after experiencing a mechanical issue with its landing gear. Video footage shows the WB-57 aircraft sliding down the runway, creating a trail of sparks, smoke, and fire. Both crew members on board were able to safely exit the plane with assistance from emergency responders.

Why it matters

The WB-57 is one of NASA's specialized high-altitude research aircraft, capable of flying at altitudes exceeding 63,000 feet. Incidents like this, while rare, highlight the risks and challenges involved in operating such advanced aircraft for scientific research purposes.

The details

According to NASA, the WB-57 can fly for approximately 6.5 hours, has a range of approximately 2,500 miles, and can carry up to 8,800 lbs of payload. The plane is operated by a crew of two, with a pilot and a sensor equipment operator. NASA has maintained and flown two WB-57 aircraft for high-altitude atmospheric research since the early 1970s, and recently returned a third to flight status after it sat unused for over 40 years.

  • The incident occurred at Ellington Airport in Houston on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a U.S. government agency responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

WB-57

One of NASA's three large research aircraft capable of operating at high altitudes exceeding 63,000 feet.

Bethany Stevens

A NASA spokesperson who provided information about the 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 (Social Media)

What’s next

NASA will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical issue that led to the belly landing, and will provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and challenges involved in operating highly specialized research aircraft like the WB-57, and underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and ongoing maintenance to ensure the safety of both the crew and the public.