Watch: Nasa research plane makes emergency belly landing in Texas; crew safe
A NASA aircraft sits near a runway at Ellington Airport after making a belly landing on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A Nasa research aircraft made an emergency landing in Texas on Tuesday after a mechanical problem prevented its landing gear from deploying. The plane landed at Ellington Airport near Houston and slid along the runway on its belly. Videos shared on social media showed sparks, flames and smoke coming from under the aircraft as it came to a stop. Nasa said the aircraft’s crew landed safely and no injuries were reported. The space agency confirmed there was a mechanical issue and said an investigation would be carried out. The aircraft involved was a Nasa WB-57, a high-altitude research plane with two crew members. The plane is designed to fly at very high altitudes and can stay airborne for more than six hours. Local television footage showed the aircraft stopped on the runway with its cockpit hatch open. Fire trucks and emergency teams were seen at the site, working around the aircraft. The WB-57 has been used by Nasa for research missions since the 1970s and remains part of the agency’s scientific fleet.
