First responders with a military subcontractor responded to the incident.

19:42, Tue, Jan 27, 2026 Updated: 20:19, Tue, Jan 27, 2026

The NASA plane belly landing

The emergency landing happened at Ellington Field in Houston (Image: KHOU 11)

A NASA plane was forced to make a gear-up landing on Tuesday following what the space agency called a "mechanical issue". The aircraft, WB-57, which is used to conduct high-altitude research, made an emergency landing on Tuesday, January 27. 

According to reports, the plane was carrying two people; however, no injuries were reported. The Houston Fire Department said the incident occurred when the front landing gear failed, causing the aircraft to land on its belly. Video captured at the scene shows the aircraft skidding down the runway on its belly before eventually coming to a halt, according to KHOU 11. Further footage reveals the pilot climbing out of the cockpit with help from emergency crews, who quickly moved in to assist after the plane stopped.

Responding to the incident, NASA said: "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."

In a statement, Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, said, "Around 11.30 am today, a NASA aircraft had an issue upon landing on Runway 17R-35L at Ellington Airport (EFD). 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."

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A WB‑57 is one of the aircraft used in NASA’s High Altitude Research Program, which operates out of the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA says three of these planes are housed at Ellington Field, where they play a key role in carrying out a variety of scientific research missions.