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.