PA-23-250 Aztec
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 42; Flight Crew Total 3900; Flight Crew Type 30
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
On departure; shortly after level off for cruise flight the aircraft began to 'tremble.' As we were jointly diagnosing the symptom; the right engine feathered on its own. Immediately before the event; it was noted by both of us that the OTHER engine was operating at an elevated oil temperature. It was also noted that oil pressures (both engines) were acceptably normal. Upon feathering (independent of pilot action) the oil pressure and manifold pressure dropped. I secured the failed engine; trimmed for level flight; declared an emergency on the Approach Control Frequency; reversed course and held altitude until appropriate. I accepted emergency assistance to be on standby; the landing was uneventful; and we were able to taxi all the way to parking.
PA23 pilot experiences a 'tremble' shortly after leveling off at 2;000 feet; followed by the right engine feathering on its own. The engine is secured and the flight returns to the departure airport.