NASA jet erupts in flames as it skids down runway at Houston airport

"'Today, a mechanical issue with one of NASA's WB-57s resulted in a gear-up landing at Ellington Field,' NASA shared on X. '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.'"

"Flight tracking data show that the WB-57 took off from the airport around 10:19am CT (11:19am ET). The aircraft completed several touch-and-go landings before its final approach shortly after 1pm, when it was forced into a full stop after the landing gear failed to deploy. NASA confirmed that all crew members are safe. No additional details about the mechanical failure have been released."

"A NASA jet skidded across a Houston runway Tuesday after a mechanical failure prevented its landing gear from deploying. The aircraft involved was a NASA WB-57 high-altitude research jet based at NASA's Johnson Space Center near Ellington Field. The WB-57 is a mid-wing, long-range aircraft capable of operation for extended periods of time from sea level to altitudes in excess of 63,000 feet."

An operational failure prevented the landing gear of a NASA WB-57 research jet from deploying, forcing a gear-up landing at Ellington Field in Houston. Footage shows the jet touching down with its belly scraping the runway, creating sparks and flames. Emergency crews quickly secured the scene and assisted the pilot in exiting the aircraft. All crew members were reported safe. Flight tracking indicates the aircraft took off around 10:19am CT, performed multiple touch-and-go landings, and returned for a final approach shortly after 1pm when the gear failed. NASA is reviewing the incident and will release findings after investigation.

Read at Mail Online