Plane poised for emergency landing in Illinois

CAHOKIA, Ill. (AP) — An official at a southern Illinois airport says an inbound Learjet with eight people aboard has landing gear trouble and is preparing for an emergency landing.

Diane Earhart of St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia said Monday afternoon that air traffic control has confirmed the aircraft's landing gear is not functioning correctly. She says the pilot is circling the airport to determine when and how to land.

Fire trucks, ambulances and emergency crews can be seen on the airport tarmac. St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency's 911 Director Herb Simmons says they have fire and emergency responders at the Cahokia airport on standby. He says responders are waiting to see if the flight lands in Cahokia or goes to St. Louis, Mo.

Cahokia is 5 miles south of St. Louis.