T-6A Training Aircraft Made an Emergency Belly Landing at McConnell

A training aircraft diverted to an abnormal landing

On 19 May 2026, U.S. Air Force T-6A Texan II training aircraft HOOK 22 made an emergency belly landing at McConnell Air Force Base. The aircraft was being used in the Joint Primary Pilot Training system and was operating from Vance Air Force Base.

The landing was coordinated as an emergency

The two pilots brought the aircraft to McConnell for the abnormal landing. Emergency crews were positioned to respond immediately. The aircraft landed with its gear retracted, and the crew exited safely.

Both pilots survived

Neither pilot was injured. Both were medically evaluated as part of the emergency response, and public reporting did not identify any human injuries.

The Investigation Remained Open

Public reporting stated that an initial investigation was underway and that a formal board of officers would investigate the incident further. No final cause had been established in the reporting reviewed.

The reason for the abnormal landing remains undetermined pending the military investigation.

The documented facts establish the emergency diversion, the gear-up landing and the safe evacuation of both pilots. They do not establish what in-flight problem required the aircraft to land with the gear retracted.

The two occupants were pilots in a training aircraft, not passengers. Public reporting states that both pilots exited safely and were medically evaluated; no injuries were reported.

The official statement states: “an initial investigation is underway.”

Accident Facts

Sources

• Video source (ATC/audio reconstruction)

• U.S. Air Force/Department of Defense public reporting available for the 19 May 2026 incident; no final cause identified.