Video appeared to show the NASA aircraft landing with its landing gear not fully deployed, sliding along the runway before coming to a stop.
HOUSTON — A NASA aircraft suffered a mechanical issue during an incident late Tuesday morning at an airport in Houston, Texas.
According to a statement from Houston Airports, a NASA aircraft had an issue while landing at Ellington Airport around 11:30 a.m. Central.
Video sent to KHOU 11 News, a TEGNA station in Houston, appeared to show a plane making a belly landing on the runway.
Crews from the station responded to the scene and were able to capture video of the pilot climbing out of the cockpit with assistance from emergency responders.
What we know so far
Video appeared to show the aircraft landing with its landing gear not fully deployed, sliding along the runway before coming to a stop. Air 11 video showed emergency crews responding to the scene.
In a statement posted on social media, NASA said a “mechanical issue” with one of its WB-57s planes resulted in a “gear-up landing.”
“Response to the incident is ongoing, and all crew are safe at this time. As with any incident, a thorough investigation will be conducted by NASA into the cause. NASA will transparently update the public as we gather more information,” the agency said.
Houston Airports officials say first responders with a military subcontractor are handling the response. The runway was closed until the aircraft can be removed.
About the aircraft
The aircraft involved was a NASA WB-57 high-altitude research plane, which is based at NASA Johnson Space Center near Ellington Field.
The NASA WB-57 High Altitude Research Program operates three WB-57 aircraft out of Ellington Field. The WB-57 is a mid-wing, long-range research aircraft capable of flying at altitudes above 63,000 feet. It typically carries two crew members — a pilot and a sensor equipment operator — and is used for scientific and atmospheric research missions.
Fly for about 6.5 hoursTravel up to 2,500 nautical milesCarry up to 8,800 pounds of payloadReach airspeeds of about 410 knots