Texas: A NASA-operated research aircraft was forced to carry out an emergency landing in Texas on Tuesday after a malfunction prevented its landing gear from deploying, resulting in a dramatic touchdown captured on video and widely shared online.
The incident occurred at Ellington Airport, located southeast of Houston, where the aircraft slid along the runway without wheels, scraping the surface and briefly igniting flames beneath its fuselage. NASA confirmed that both crew members on board landed safely and were not injured.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the space agency said the aircraft encountered a mechanical problem during landing. Officials added that the issue will be thoroughly examined as part of standard safety procedures.
Footage of the landing shows the aircraft descending steadily before striking the runway with a noticeable jolt. As it skidded forward, sparks and flashes of fire erupted from underneath, followed by thick smoke trailing behind. The plane gradually lost speed before coming to a halt.
Local television station KHOU 11 later aired images from the scene showing the aircraft stationary on the runway with its cockpit hatch open. Emergency vehicles surrounded the plane as firefighters and response teams carried out safety checks near its dark-coloured nose section.
The aircraft involved was a NASA WB-57, a high-altitude research jet known for its long, narrow body. Designed to operate at altitudes exceeding 63,000 feet, the WB-57 is typically used for atmospheric science, Earth observation and other specialised research missions. The jet can remain airborne for more than six hours and carries a two-member crew.
First introduced into NASA’s research fleet in the early 1970s, the WB-57 continues to play a key role in scientific studies, supporting both national and international research efforts.
While the incident briefly disrupted operations at the airport, NASA officials emphasised that safety systems functioned as intended and that a detailed investigation will determine what caused the landing gear failure.
