PA-31 Navajo/Chieftan/Mojave/T1040
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 3800; Flight Crew Type 1500
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I departed from ZZZZ1 flying to ZZZZ. Approximately 25 DME west of ZZZZ at XA:18pm local time; I was in a shallow descent passing through 4;200 feet; when I experienced a power loss on the right engine. At the time of power loss; both engines had been operating on the outboard tanks (normal procedure) for approximately 1.7 hrs. I noticed a loss of fuel pressure on the right engine. Assuming the outboard tanks were low on fuel; I immediately selected the inboard tanks on both fuel selectors which contained approximately 30 gallons remaining per side. Emergency electric fuel pumps were also switched on. Passing through 3700 feet within the first minute; airspeed immediately and rapidly decreased from 170kts to 120kts. Emergency procedures were implemented; all throttle quadrant levers pushed forward. The right engine was identified as the issue and verified as producing partial power; R/H engine 20' MP/2000 RPM; L/H engine 40' MP/2600 RPM. I started to secure the right engine; important to note; when pulling back the throttle and prop levers; airspeed rapidly dropped even more. Blue line (VYSE); 106kts was extremely difficult to maintain. By pushing the throttle and prop lever back in the forward position the airplane appeared more responsive. The aircraft was not responding as it normally does during one engine operation. The right engine appeared to be making some power and the propeller low pitch configuration still produced a low airspeed result. At XA:25pm the aircraft passed through 2;000 feet. Blue line airspeed was unattainable regardless of propeller pitch. Maintaining altitude proved impossible. Engine failure was reported to ZZZZ Tower. The nearest airport was searched for; however; ZZZZ2 depiction was not listed. The decision to land off-field was made at XA:30pm. I passed through 1;300 feet and prepared to land on a nearby road. At 500 feet trucks and power lines were noticed. The decision to turn north and land in an empty field was made. Passing through 300 feet it appeared the field was made; the ground looked hard packed between the plant rows. The decision to drop gear and flaps to increase drag and in hopes of rolling out was made. Fuel was shut off and the electrical master switch was shut off. The aircraft was flown to the ground. After landing the aircraft; I exited the aircraft with my crewmember. There were no injuries. I called the authorities to report the accident [incident].
Pilot reported engine power loss caused by fuel starvation led to an off airport emergency landing.