| Crash location | 40.723056°N, 88.866667°W |
| Nearest city | Gridley, IL
40.717257°N, 88.909792°W 2.3 miles away |
| Tail number | N20553 |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 15 Jun 2003 |
| Aircraft type | Cessna 172M |
| Additional details: | None |
On June 15, 2003, at 1830 central daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N20553, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain after takeoff from runway 36 (2,200 feet by 70 feet, turf) at Kuntz Field Airport, Gridley, Illinois. The pilot reported leaving the fuel selector switch in the off position prior to takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating without a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot reported he "did not have the fuel valve in the proper position on takeoff." The pilot stated he turned to the left to avoid landing in a ditch, after the engine failed during intial climb. The airplane landed in a field and subsequently nosed over.
According to the pilot's written statement, his last biennial flight review was June 6, 1997.
The checklist not followed by the pilot and the fuel starvation of the engine. The incorrect fuel tank selector position by the pilot,, and the lack of recurrent training were contributing factors.