NASA WB‑57 Makes Gear‑Up Landing in Houston; Crew Safe, FAA and NASA Open Investigations
NASA WB‑57 research aircraft (tail number NASA927) departed Ellington Field in Houston about 10:19 a.m. CST and made a gear‑up (belly) landing around 11:19 a.m. Jan. 27 after a reported mechanical issue, with video showing the plane sliding on its belly with sparks and smoke. Both NASA crew members were medically evaluated and cleared; NASA will lead a thorough investigation, the FAA has opened a separate probe, and NASA says the event is not expected to impact Artemis II imagery support because other aerial assets can fill in.
📌 Key Facts
- A NASA WB‑57 research plane (tail number NASA927) made a gear‑up (belly) landing at Ellington Field/Ellington Airport near Houston after a reported mechanical issue on Jan. 27.
- NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said NASA927 departed Ellington Field at about 10:19 a.m. CST and landed gear‑up around 11:19 a.m. CST following the mechanical problem.
- Both crew members, described as NASA employees, were medically evaluated at Ellington and cleared; NASA reported they are in good health with no injuries.
- NASA said it will lead a thorough investigation of the incident, and the FAA separately announced it will investigate the Jan. 27 gear‑up landing.
- NASA indicated the incident is not expected to affect Artemis II operations because other aerial assets (Gulfstream V, Gulfstream III, and a U.S. Navy C‑20) can provide required mission imagery.
- Video from the event shows the aircraft sliding on its belly with visible smoke and sparks as it skidded down the runway.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
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January 28, 2026
5:56 PM
NASA research plane lands on belly, sending sparks flying, after 'mechanical issue'
New information:
- NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens specified that WB‑57 tail number NASA927 departed Ellington Field at about 10:19 a.m. CST and landed gear‑up around 11:19 a.m. after a mechanical issue.
- Both crew members, described as NASA employees, were medically evaluated at Ellington and cleared; NASA says they are in good health.
- NASA stated it will lead a thorough investigation, while the FAA separately said it will investigate the Jan. 27 gear‑up landing at Ellington Airport.
- NASA said it anticipates no impact to Artemis II operations because other aerial assets (Gulfstream V, Gulfstream III, U.S. Navy C‑20) can provide mission imagery.
- Video from the incident shows the aircraft sliding on its belly with visible smoke and sparks as it skids down the runway.