CHI95LA134

The pilot stated that he believed there was 1/2 hour of fuel remaining in the airplane's right fuel tank and no fuel in the left fuel tank. He made no visual check of the fuel tanks prior to taxi and departure. At approximately 300 feet above the ground on the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost all power. The pilot made a 180 degree turn back to the airport to make a forced landing. The airplane landed on the grass short of the runway, nosed over, and came to rest in an inverted position. Postaccident examination revealed no fuel in the right fuel tank and approximately two to three gallons of fuel in the left fuel tank. No mechanical anomalies were revealed.

On April 19, 1995, at 1915 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22- 160, N9418D, registered to Stephen C. Schlager of Carterville, Illinois, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing at Whiteside County Airport, Rock Falls, Illinois. The private pilot received minor injuries, the passenger reported no injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight operated without a flight plan in visual meteorological conditions.

In a detailed statement, the pilot reported that he had planned to take a friend for a quick ride around the traffic pattern. The pilot stated that he did not visually check the fuel tanks prior to this flight but he stated, "I was real confident that I had 1/2 hour fuel left in that right tank." He also stated that he believed there was no fuel in the left tank.

After taxiing to the end of the runway, they departed runway 36. At approximately 300 feet above the ground, the engine lost all power. The pilot stated he decided to make a 180 degree turn back to the airport to make a forced landing. The airplane landed on the grass short of the runway, nosed over, and came to rest in an inverted position.

Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies. No fuel was found in the right fuel tank and approximately two to three gallons of fuel was found in the left fuel tank.

During an interview with the FAA, the passenger stated that when the engine lost power, he had suggested to the pilot that he switch the selected fuel tank to the left. The pilot had replied that there was no fuel in the left tank.