Lexington's Blue Grass Airport briefly prepared for a crash landing Thursday morning when a small private jet reported problems with its landing gear.

The Learjet eventually was diverted to Indianapolis, where it landed safely, Blue Grass Airport spokeswoman Amy Caudill said. The plane did not attempt to land at Lexington.

Just before 8 a.m., the Learjet's pilot radioed the Lexington tower that the plane's nose landing gear had not retracted properly, Caudill said.

The plane circled Lexington for a few minutes, burning off fuel, while ground crews prepared for a possible crash landing. Ultimately, however, the plane was routed to Indianapolis, its intended destination.

Caudill said she did not know where the plane had taken off. Four people were on board.

Jim Warren: (859) 231-3255.