NASA WB-57 Research Jet Makes Belly Landing at Ellington Airport

Research Jet Belly Landing

• ✈️ A NASA WB-57 jet made a gear-up landing at Ellington Airport in Houston.
• 🧑‍🚒 Emergency personnel, including fire trucks and an ambulance, were on site following the incident.
• 💡 The jet was circling prior to the landing, prompting concern from an airport employee.

Incident Details and Safety

• 🔥 Flames and smoke erupted from underneath the plane due to friction during the belly landing.
• ✅ Fortunately, the two crew members on board were reported to be safe and exited the aircraft with assistance.
• 🩺 One pilot reportedly surveyed the plane before heading to an ambulance.

Aircraft and Investigation

• ⚙️ According to a NASA spokesperson, a mechanical issue was the cause of the gear-up landing.
• 🔍 NASA has stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
• 📍 The WB-57 is one of three such aircraft based at Ellington, used by the Johnson Space Center for research purposes.
• 🚧 The runway where the incident occurred will remain closed until the aircraft is moved.