What happened to the NASA WB-57 aircraft at Ellington Airport?

A NASA WB-57 research aircraft made an emergency gear-up landing at Ellington Airport due to a mechanical issue, skidding across the runway and leaving a fiery trail.

Was the crew aboard the NASA WB-57 unharmed?

Yes, the two-person crew aboard the NASA WB-57 aircraft was unharmed during the incident.

What is the purpose of NASA's WB-57 aircraft?

NASA's WB-57 aircraft are used for atmospheric and Earth science research missions and have been flying since the early 1970s.

Home / Science / NASA Jet Lands Without Gear, Sparks Fire on Runway

NASA Jet Lands Without Gear, Sparks Fire on Runway

28 Jan

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Summary

A NASA WB-57 aircraft made a gear-up landing at Ellington Airport.
The two-person crew aboard the aircraft was unharmed during the incident.
The aircraft is used for atmospheric and Earth science research missions.

NASA Jet Lands Without Gear, Sparks Fire on Runway

A NASA WB-57 research aircraft made an emergency gear-up landing at Ellington Airport in Houston late on Tuesday morning. The high-altitude plane skidded across the runway, creating a fiery trail, after an unidentified mechanical problem occurred.

Officials confirmed that the two-person crew aboard the aircraft was unharmed. NASA stated that a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing. The WB-57 is one of three operated by NASA's Johnson Space Center and has been used for atmospheric and Earth science research since the early 1970s.

The aircraft, a modified version of the Martin B-57 Canberra, has been instrumental in various reconnaissance missions, including probing clouds and studying atmospheric effects. The incident occurred during what was reported to be the aircraft's third flight of the day. Emergency crews responded promptly, and the runway was temporarily closed for the aircraft's removal.