The two-person crew of a NASA plane is safe after the aircraft’s landing gear failed, leading to a fiery belly landing at a Houston airfield on Tuesday.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident occurred around 11:25 a.m. at Ellington Airport when a Martin WB-57, a high-altitude research plane, experienced the mechanical issue as it touched down.
The aircraft then slid down the runway with smoke and flames spewing out before coming to a stop.
“Response to the incident is ongoing, and all crew are safe at this time,” said NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens.
The space agency did not say how or why the landing gear failed, but promised a thorough investigation and transparent updates to the public.
The runway was closed until the plane could be removed.
The WB-57 is capable of reaching altitudes above 63,000 feet and can reach speeds of about 410 knots (472 mph). It’s operated by a pilot and sensor equipment technician, and is used to conduct scientific and atmospheric research missions.
“The aircraft have been flying research missions since the early 1970s, and continue to be an asset to the scientific community with professional, reliable, customer-oriented service designed to meet all scientific objectives,” according to a NASA website.
The plane involved in Tuesday’s close call is based at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, but NASA keeps many of its aircraft at Ellington Airport.
