A NASA research aircraft made a gear-up landing at Ellington Field in Houston late Tuesday morning after experiencing a mechanical issue, according to the agency. Video from local media outlets showed the aircraft touching down without its landing gear deployed and sliding along the runway before coming to a stop, with emergency responders quickly surrounding the aircraft.
Houston Airports officials said the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Runway 17R–35L as the aircraft was landing. In a statement provided to local KHOU 11 News, officials said first responders with a military subcontractor handled the response and the runway was closed while crews worked to remove the aircraft.
NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said in a statement shared by ABC13/KTRK that a mechanical issue resulted in the gear-up landing and confirmed that all crew members were safe.
“Response to the incident is ongoing, and all crew are safe at this time,” Stevens said. “As with any incident, a thorough investigation will be conducted by NASA into the cause.”
The aircraft involved was a NASA WB-57 high-altitude research plane based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center near Ellington Field. The WB-57 program operates three aircraft from the location, using them for scientific and atmospheric research missions at altitudes above 63,000 feet. NASA said it will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Why did it not extend? Did the blow-down not work?
The pilot should get a commendation! That was a beautiful gear up landing! Smooth, level, straight, and with no yaw.
For all practical purposes, I’m gonna say it did not work. Maybe the investigation will tell us why.
Drop the gear and put it a museum as is.