Navion pilot reports using tip tank fuel for taxi and runup due to low main tank fuel quantity. Reporter was distracted by other traffic at the airport and forgot to switch to main tanks prior to takeoff. Engine quits at 200 feet and aircraft landed off airport.

Narrative

During normal preflight activities; the main fuel tank was checked for quantity using a dipstick. Pilot thought the quantity of fuel was approximately 8 gals in the main tank and the two tips had approximately 6 gals and 3 gals respectively. There is no fuel available; necessitating a fuel stop at a nearby airfield prior to returning. Knowing that the POH states no takeoff or landing using the tip tanks; pilot made a special fuel management plan prior to takeoff consisting of using a tip for the run up and taxi out; switch to mains for takeoff and initial low climb; switch to tips fuel for the short flight to fuel stop and switching back to main tank for landing. While taxiing out; Army helicopter(s) advised they were in process of positioning for departure to the north. Pilot advised his intention of departing to the north as well. Both subject plane pilot and helicopters were in communication with each other and the helicopter advised that the subject plane depart first. With the helicopters waiting pilot made the turnaround at the end of the runway and made the takeoff. Pilot was distracted by the conversation with the helicopters and did not switch to the main fuel tank. Engine stopped about 200 feet up; pilot went through the engine out procedure; the engine restarted but the plane was too low and behind the power/speed curve to be able to recover in time. Plane impacted the ground in a mushing; almost level attitude with the engine working. No personnel were hurt; no damage to anything on the ground; some damage on fuselage and wing sheet metal.