UPDATE: This story now includes a statement and clarification just received from Scott Hinderman.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – No injuries were reported after a plane crashed while on the ground at a Fort Wayne airport Tuesday evening.

Police were sent to Smith Field Airport around 5:30 p.m. on reports of a plane crash.

The pilot had exited the aircraft after it failed to start. He then when to turn the propeller by hand in an attempt to clear the carburetor of excess fuel. While turning the propeller, the engine actually started while no one was in the cockpit. The aircraft then started to move forward and struck the light pole that illuminates the fueling area with it’s right wing. Upon contact with the pole the aircraft turned right into the grass, at which time its right main gear collapsed and the aircraft came to a rest.

With this incident, there were no injuries or property damage to the airports fuel farm. The aircraft did have some damage and the value is not known at this time.

Scott Hinderman, Executive Director of Airports