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NASA WB-57 Makes Gear-Up Landing in Houston

January 28, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

A NASA WB-57 made a gear-up landing at Ellington Field in Houston.
The aircraft experienced a mechanical issue during landing.
The two crew members onboard were uninjured.
A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause.

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Strategic Implications

This incident may indicate the need for increased maintenance or inspection protocols for NASA's aging WB-57 fleet, which could impact the agency's scientific research capabilities. The lack of a direct modern replacement suggests that NASA may need to continue relying on these aircraft for high-altitude research missions.

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What Happened

High-Altitude Research Aircraft Involved in Incident at Ellington Field

A NASA high-altitude research aircraft, a WB-57, made a gear-up landing at Ellington Field in Houston on January 27, 2026, due to a mechanical issue. The two crew members onboard were uninjured, and the aircraft remained upright as emergency responders quickly surrounded it. The incident is under investigation, and NASA officials have stated that a thorough review will be conducted to determine the cause. The WB-57 is a critical asset for NASA’s scientific research missions, and the agency has noted that there is no direct modern replacement for the aircraft. This incident was first reported by AeroTime.

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