NASA Jet Skids in Fiery Texas Landing, Investigation Commences

On January 27, 2026, a NASA aircraft executed a hard landing at a Texas runway after its landing gear failed to deploy. The plane skidded across its belly, spearing bright flames that illuminated the tarmac before the crew was able to stop it. The incident occurred at an unidentified Texas airfield. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine the root cause, reviewing cockpit recordings, maintenance logs, and the mechanical condition of the gear. NASA officials said no crew or passenger injuries were reported, but the event has raised questions about future NASA flight safety protocols and airworthiness controls.