NASA and U.S. Space Program

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.