NASA Plane Catches Fire During Touch-and-Go Following Landing Gear Failure

A Gear-Up Landing at Ellington

On 27 January 2026, one of NASA’s WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft made a gear-up landing at Ellington Field in Houston after a reported mechanical issue. NASA identified the event as a mechanical problem and said both crew members were safe.

The Aircraft Reaches the Runway Without the Gear

The WB-57 touched down on Runway 17R–35L at about 11:30 a.m. local time and slid along the runway. Video from local media showed sparks, smoke and fire during the slide. The runway was closed while responders secured the aircraft and began recovery operations.

Cause Still Under Investigation

The public statements available do not identify the failed component or establish why the landing gear was unavailable. NASA said it would conduct a thorough investigation. The incident therefore should not be presented as a confirmed hydraulic, electrical or pilot-error event.

Accident Facts

“all crew are safe at this time”

Sources

• NASA statement as reported by KHOU — WB-57 landing incident
• AVweb — NASA WB-57 Makes Gear-Up Landing at Ellington Field
• The Aviationist — NASA WB-57F Canberra gear-up landing
• Original video record —