A NASA research jet erupted in sparks and flames after skidding belly down on the runway at Houston’s Ellington Field on Tuesday (January 27), following a mechanical failure that prevented its landing gear from deploying. The incident, which unfolded just after 11:30 a.m., involved a sixty-year-old WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
According to Houston Airports Director Jim Szczesniak, the aircraft experienced trouble as it touched down. Video from Ellington Airport captured the moment the jet’s belly scraped along the tarmac, trailing sparks and flames behind it. Emergency crews, including fire and EMS vehicles, rushed to the scene within moments and helped the two pilots exit the aircraft safely. There were no injuries reported among the crew, NASA confirmed.
NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said in a statement that a mechanical issue resulted in a ‘gear-up’ landing, and that the agency would conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the failure. The runway remained closed while the damaged plane awaited removal and inspection for structural damage.
The WB-57, a mid-wing, long-range jet, is used by NASA and other government agencies for scientific research and technology development. The aircraft can fly at altitudes over 60,000 feet and carry substantial payloads for missions including earth science and atmospheric studies.
NASA stated via social media, “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.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the investigation into the landing gear malfunction continues, and the affected runway at Ellington Field will stay closed until the aircraft can be safely removed.
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