A NASA high-altitude research aircraft made an emergency gear-up landing Tuesday at Ellington Airport after a mechanical failure kept the landing gear from deploying, sparking flames and smoke as it skidded along the runway before halting safely.
The two crew members aboard the WB-57 exited without injury around 11:30 a.m., with one appearing to inspect the plane before heading to an ambulance, according to local news footage. Emergency responders, including Houston Fire Department crews and a military subcontractor, handled the scene, where fire trucks stood by as the cockpit hatch remained open.
Video captured the plane descending slowly, jolting on touchdown with bouncing wings, then sliding steadily as yellow fire and white smoke erupted beneath it from friction. Brief flames burst and faded amid a trailing cloud before the aircraft slowed.
“Today, a mechanical issue with one of NASA’s WB-57s resulted in a gear-up landing at Ellington Field,” NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens posted on X. “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.”
Aviation expert John Celigoy told KHOU 11 that such failures could stem from a simple switch or a hydraulic pump issue, and the plane’s age could contribute to maintenance problems, though the exact cause is being investigated. He noted that NASA pilots are highly trained to minimize impact by flattening the aircraft during gear-up scenarios, thereby averting worse outcomes such as a post-landing blaze.
“Around 11:30 a.m. today, a NASA aircraft had an issue upon landing on Runway 17R-35L at Ellington Airport (EFD),” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “First responders with a military subcontractor are responding to the incident. The runway is closed until the aircraft can be removed. All further questions need to be directed to NASA.”
The WB-57, based at NASA Johnson Space Center near the airport, is one of three in the agency’s High Altitude Research Program. The mid-wing jet, a modified B-57 Canberra, has supported scientific and atmospheric missions since the 1970s. It carries a pilot and sensor equipment operator, flies up to 2,500 nautical miles for about 6.5 hours at speeds around 410 knots, reaches altitudes above 63,000 feet, and handles payloads up to 8,800 pounds.
The FAA has joined NASA in investigating the incident.
