PA-31 Navajo/Chieftan/Mojave/T1040
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 2421; Flight Crew Type 150
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft; Human Factors
I did an airplane swap with another company Pilot. I was given estimated fuel numbers from the other Captain when we did the weight and balance document together for accuracy. As the inner tanks had been topped off prior to arriving; I made the decision to fly the next leg using only the inner tanks.After doing the run up; I took off. Passing through 1;000 feet; the after take-off flow was executed and verified using the 'after take-off' checklist.Passing through 2;000 feet flying RWY heading; I was handed over to Approach and advised them of my altitude. I was then given a heading change to 350 degrees.When approaching 2;500 feet; left boost pump light illuminated and I leveled off momentarily. The left engine started searching and losing power. I moved the mixture; prop and throttle lever full forward and turned on the electrical fuel pump. Shortly after the right engine boost pump light illuminated and the right engine started losing power.I requested to ATC for a heading change towards the airport. ATC instructed me first to do a climb to 3;000 which I intended to do. ATC suggested twice a heading change away from airport which I declined. I requested the turn to be a right turn. ATC suggested a right turn to a heading of 150 degrees.After executing the turn; the power loss was so significant that I was unable to maintain altitude. I adjusted airspeed to maintain 107 knots (single engine best rate of climb speed).After completing the turn I was advised by ATC of an airport at my 3 o'clock. I located it at my 12 o'clock and ATC advised me it was [a nearby] airport. While descending towards the airport; ATC asked me to advise the nature of the situation. I advised that I was expecting dual engine failure with the indication of dual boost pump lights illuminated and that I was unable to hold altitude. I was cleared for a visual approach at [a nearby airport]. I read back the clearance and that was the last of recorded communication.I descended on a path that is similar to a left base. After clearing obstacle I made a turn toward runway. I lowered the gear and upon touch down on soft grass; left main and nose gear collapsed. The airplane skidded and turned 90 degrees to the left until the airplane came to a full stop.Upon full stop I quickly shut down the airplane and evacuated the aircraft. I did not have any injuries and there were no passengers onboard.
PA-31 pilot reported making a forced landing when he began having engine trouble related to fuel starvation.