A jet from Columbus Air Force Base had to make an emergency landing Thursday at Meridian's Key Field.

Meridian Airport officials say the jet had a damaged tire on its landing gear.

It was able to land safely though there were some sparks and smoke as it hit the runway.

Emergency crews were on standby in case there was a need for response.

"Any time an aircraft has a problem, you prepare for the worst and hope for the best," said airport president Tom Williams. "This should have turned out exactly the way it did. Ninety-nine times out of 100, it will, but you're prepared in case."

The jet was forced to land in Meridian because of high winds in Columbus.