WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) _ The pilot of a small plane that veered into a fence at the Purdue University Airport says the aircraft was experiencing engine trouble before the incident.
 
  Purdue University issued a press release Wednesday saying the pilot was not injured and had hiked to a nearby hotel after the crash.
 
  The discovery of the plane had perplexed police because of the pilot’s absence. The Journal and Courier reports police were at the scene for about an hour Wednesday morning trying to figure out the mysterious plane before the pilot contacted them.
 
  The plane went off the runway, over a dirt embankment and into the chain-link fence. It remained upright and had only minor damage.
 
  The pilot says he hopes to complete his flight to San Diego if the plane passes inspection.