A NASA WB-57 aircraft made a gear-up landing at Ellington Airfield in Houston on Tuesday following a mechanical issue. All crew members were reported safe, according to NASA.
The aircraft involved was a WB-57, a high-altitude research plane operated by NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Bethany Stevens, a spokesperson for NASA, said on X that a mechanical issue with one of the agency’s WB-57 aircraft led to a gear-up landing at Ellington Field.
“Response to the incident is ongoing, and all crew are safe at this time,” Stevens said.
She added that NASA will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The WB-57 is a long-range aircraft capable of flying for extended periods of time from sea level to altitudes above 60,000 feet. It is designed to carry scientific payloads and is operated by a pilot and a sensor equipment operator seated in tandem.
NASA officials have not released details about what caused the issue or whether anyone was injured. The agency owns and operates the aircraft through NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Statement from Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports:
Around 11:30 a.m. 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.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.