NASA WB-57 Research Plane Belly Lands at Ellington Field in Houston

Mechanical issue forces aircraft to touch down without landing gear, all crew members safe

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A NASA WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft experienced a mechanical malfunction and was forced to perform a belly landing at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas on January 27, 2026. Video footage shows the plane descending slowly before touching down on the runway, sliding along on its belly and sending plumes of flame and smoke behind it. The crew members were reported to be safe following the incident, which is now under investigation by NASA.

Why it matters

The NASA WB-57 is a critical high-altitude research platform used by government agencies, academic institutions, and commercial customers to support scientific research and advanced technology development. This emergency landing highlights the risks and challenges faced by pilots and crews operating these specialized aircraft at extreme altitudes.

The details

According to the video and reports, the WB-57 experienced a mechanical issue that prevented it from deploying its landing gear. The plane descended slowly before touching down on the runway, its wings bouncing as yellow flames and white smoke burst from beneath the fuselage. The aircraft slid down the runway, the flames eventually disappearing in a cloud of smoke, before coming to a stop. Emergency responders were on the scene, with the cockpit hatch open and fire trucks nearby.

  • The incident occurred on January 27, 2026.
  • The WB-57 aircraft has been part of NASA's High Altitude Research Program since the early 1970s.

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.

Ellington Field

A joint civil-military airport located southeast of Houston, Texas, which serves as the home base for the NASA WB-57 High Altitude Research Program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The crew landed the plane at Ellington Field, southeast of Houston, and are 'all safe at this time,' and that there was 'mechanical issue' that will be investigated.”

— NASA (X)

What’s next

NASA will investigate the mechanical issue that led to the WB-57's belly landing in order to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

The successful emergency landing of the NASA WB-57 research aircraft, despite the mechanical failure, highlights the skill and training of the flight crew and the resilience of these specialized high-altitude platforms. This incident underscores the importance of the WB-57 program in supporting critical scientific research and the need to maintain the safety and reliability of these unique aircraft.