NASA Research Plane Makes Fiery Emergency Landing in Houston

Aircraft experienced landing gear failure, prompting swift response from emergency crews.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:55am

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A NASA WB-57 research aircraft was forced to make a fiery emergency landing at Ellington Airfield in Houston after experiencing a mechanical issue mid-flight. The plane, which had two people on board, caught fire as it skidded on its belly along the runway after the landing gear failed. No injuries were reported, and first responders were quickly on the scene to address the incident.

Why it matters

NASA research aircraft are critical for advancing scientific understanding and testing new technologies. This emergency landing highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and the need for continued improvements in aircraft engineering and maintenance to prevent such incidents.

The details

The NASA WB-57 aircraft was being used as a research plane when it experienced a mechanical failure that caused the landing gear to fail. This led the plane to slide gears-up along the runway at Ellington Airfield, resulting in the aircraft catching fire. Emergency crews, including a military subcontractor team and the Houston Fire Department, responded swiftly to the scene.

  • The incident occurred on January 28, 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, an 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.

Ellington Airfield

A joint civil-military airport located in Houston, Texas, which serves as a research and development facility for NASA.

Jim Szczesniak

The director of aviation for the Houston airport system.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody was injured.”

— NASA Spokesperson (KTVU)

What’s next

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure and landing gear issue.

The takeaway

This emergency landing highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and continued improvements in aircraft engineering and maintenance to prevent such incidents, which are critical for the success of NASA's research and development efforts.