Watch: Flames Erupt as NASA Research Plane Touches Down Gear-Up

A NASA WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft made a gear-up landing at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas, after experiencing a mechanical issue during a training flight. NASA confirmed that both crew members aboard the aircraft were uninjured and that an investigation is underway to determine the cause.

The aircraft involved, tail number N927NA, is the newest addition to NASA’s WB-57 fleet. Video footage shows the aircraft touching down on Runway 17R–35L without its landing gear deployed, sliding along the runway before coming to a stop. Emergency responders were already in position and assisted the crew as they exited the cockpit. The runway was temporarily closed while the aircraft was secured and removed.

What Went Wrong During the Landing

NASA has stated only that a mechanical issue led to the gear-up landing. No further details have been released. Gear-up landings typically produce sparks, smoke, and localized fire due to direct contact between the aircraft fuselage and the runway

Based on available flight tracking data, the aircraft was conducting a routine training sortie at the time of the incident.

The WB-57’s Long and Unusual History

The WB-57 traces its origins to the English Electric Canberra, which first flew in 1949. The design proved so adaptable that it served for decades in multiple roles.

NASA currently operates three WB-57 aircraft from Ellington Field, though only one has been active in recent months. The other two airframes are undergoing major inspections, with one expected to return to service in early 2026 and the other on an indefinite timeline.

The platform has also supported military missions in the past, serving as a testbed for high-altitude communications systems later adopted by the U.S. Air Force.

NASA has stated it will release additional information once the investigation progresses.